The suicide cluster in Kota is a public health emergency

Source: The post is based on the article “The suicide cluster in Kota is a public health emergency… It is different because it is occurring throughout the year” published in “Times of India” on 23rd September 2023.

Syllabus: GS2- Governance- Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health. & GS1- Society- Social issues

News: The article discusses the high number of student suicides in Kota, India. It likens this situation to a disease outbreak or a “suicide cluster.” The article emphasizes the necessity of adopting a public health approach to address and prevent these suicides. This approach focuses on specific responses such as monitoring, support, and prevention.

What are suicides and the cluster of suicides?

What do you mean by Suicide?

Suicides are acts where individuals intentionally cause their own death.

In Kota, India, there’s a notable rise in suicides, particularly among students preparing for examinations, totaling 26 in 2023.

What is suicide Cluster?

A cluster of suicides occurs when suicides, attempts, or self-harm events happen closer in time and space than usually expected, forming a pattern.

The situation in Kota is identified as a suicide cluster, specifically a point cluster, occurring within a specific time and location, mainly related to the stress of examination preparation in residential coaching centers.

This phenomenon can lead to contagion, where one person’s suicide can trigger suicidal ideation or attempts in others who are already vulnerable.

Such clusters call for a public health approach, including surveillance, information sharing, media regulation, bereavement support, and prevention strategies.

What initiatives has the Indian government taken to tackle suicides?

National Suicide Prevention Strategy (NSPS): India introduced the NSPS, aiming to decrease suicides by 10% by 2030.

Suicide Surveillance Systems: A key target of NSPS is to establish effective suicide surveillance systems within the next three years.

Mental Health Outpatient Clinics: Another goal under the NSPS is to set up mental health outpatient clinics providing suicide prevention services. This will be achieved under the District Mental Health Programme and is slated for completion within five years.

Helplines in Various States: States such as Telangana, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu have launched helplines for suicide prevention, particularly during the announcement of school leaving and entrance examination results.

What should be done?

Implement a Response Plan: Develop and enforce a Suicide Cluster Response Plan involving surveillance, consistent information sharing between agencies, and support for those bereaved by suicide.

Media Responsibility: Encourage media to report responsibly on suicides to prevent contagion.

Focus on Prevention strategies to reduce the risk of further suicides need to be implemented.

Regular Monitoring and Review: Assess the effectiveness of the response and adapt strategies based on what has been learned.

Adopt Successful Models: Consider adopting approaches like the Tomorrow Project in Nottingham, UK, which has successfully halted suicide contagion through community information, meetings, and clinical support.