MARGAO: The State had registered nearly 259 suicidal deaths in 2019, and this alarming figure calls for an urgent action plan in order to prevent the further increase in the deaths by the time the next World Suicide Prevention Day is observed on September 10.
The NGOs have also appealed to the government to come out with an action plan, before it is too late to handle.
A survey conducted by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), which is an Indian government agency responsible for collecting and analysing crime data indicates that Goa recorded 259 suicidal deaths in the year 2019. It is an increase of 1.2 per cent over 2018.
The NCRB said suicides is the 8th leading cause of death in India, and the second after accidents for people aged 14 to 29. Suicide is now India’s eighth biggest killer. The rate of suicides in Goa is a disturbing issue.
The survey also indicates that out of 259 there were nearly 72 suicidal deaths which were due to illness and family problems.
The GOACAN has been documenting media reports of suicides through their Goa-Suicide-Watch. During the period of 40 days, (March 22 to April 30, 2020), a minimum of eight suicides were noted (one suicide every five days) which newspapers have reported in the talukas of Bicholim, Bardez, Salcete and Canacona.
“We are also aware that there have been suicides that have not been reported in the newspapers,” said Roland Martins, convenor of GOACAN.
The GOACAN is of the strong opinion that there must be a Directorate of Health Services-led action plan which needs to be drawn up through a multi-sectoral consultation that will see the involvement of NGOs, educational institutions, professionals and government departments.
“For this Action Plan to be effective, it is important that there is synergy among the various departments such as health services, education, higher education, technical education, women and child development, social welfare and labour, so that the maximum benefit is achieved of the facilities, schemes and taluka level outreach,” he said.
According to Martins, Goa Medical College and Hospital, Bambolim; the district hospitals, Institute of Psychiatry and Human Behaviour and Institute of Nursing Education also need to be important partners in preparing components of the action plan.
