The District Medical and Health Officer (DMHO) of Ri Bhoi in Meghalaya observed on Thursday the World Suicide Prevention Day on the theme, ‘Working Together to Prevent Suicide’. The programme was organised through the District Mental Health Programme and it was held at Science Hall near the Deputy Commissioner office in Nongpoh.
Highlighting on the observation of the day, the DMHO, Dr. M. Mawrie said that this day was being observed annually on September 10, with an aim to create awareness on the subject of suicide and the action that can be taken to prevent suicidal cases.
Suicide is one of the leading causes of death worldwide and most suicide cases happened between the age group of 15 to 29 years old, said the district Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP), P. Syiem (MPS) while speaking during the function as the Chief Guest. The main reasons behind this is due to depression, anxiety, stress, illness, mental illness, addiction to drugs and alcohol, and others such as social and personal problems, he said .
The ASP reviews suicidal cases involving prominent people in the world and country. “Ri Bhoi is a small district with less population, about 27 suicide cases have been registered in 2019 and 20 cases update in 2020, therefore, it is the need of the hour to prevent it - by working together, as unity is strength”, Syiem said.
He reiterated that it is time for all line departments like the Police, Social Welfare, Education and Health Department to join hands together with the village youths, the headmen and all individuals to eradicate and prevent suicide cases from happening - through awareness, counselling and to be kind and supportive to those who need help and guidance.
The programme was also attended by the District School Education Officer, V. Nongbet, the District Social Welfare Officer, J. Umdor and the resource person from the District Mental Health Program, B. Pamshong alomng with the ASHAs, principal of schools, headmen and local youths.
An extempore speech competition was also held on the theme and Ricky Star Rani bagged the first prize, Tripti H Maring got second prize and the third prize went to Merciful Khonglah, a ASHA worker, they were felicitated with a certificate and a mementos.
