World Suicide Prevention Day is being observed today in Puducherry. District Collector Kulothungan, Director of Health Dr. Sevvel, and National Mental Health Programme Officer Balan flagged off a rally from the Collectorate.
More than 300 students and faculty members from various nursing colleges participated, carrying placards on suicide prevention.
It is estimated that globally, over 7.2 lakh people die by suicide every year. According to National Crime Records Bureau data, India has witnessed a rise in suicides between 2017 and 2022. Puducherry ranks third in the country with a suicide rate of 26.3 per cent.
Speaking to Akashvani, Mental Health Programme Officer Balan said that the suicide rate in Puducherry has declined over the past three years due to continuous awareness efforts by the Health department.
Every year, September 10th is observed as World Suicide Prevention Day all over the world by the World Health Organisation and the International Association of Suicide Prevention under the triennial theme ‘Changing The Narrative On Suicide’.
