Question : SPECIAL SUICIDE PREVENTION PROGRAMME

(a) whether any survey has been conducted regarding the number of persons committing suicide in the country every year;

(b) if so, the details thereof alongwith the number of persons who have committed suicide during each of the last three years state-wise;

(c) whether the Government proposes to launch special suicide prevention programme;

(d) if so, the details thereof;

(e) whether the National Institute of Mental Health and Mental Sciences, Banglore has been urged to make recommendations regarding the first suicide prevention programme; and

(f) if so, the details thereof?

THE MINISTER OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (DR. ANBUMANI RAMADOSS)

(a) & (b): No survey is conducted but the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) compiles data received from the States/UTs. A statement containing State/UT-wise number of suicides during the period 2004 to 2006 as reported to Nation Crime Records Bureau is annexed.

(c) to (f): Under the National Mental Health Programme, efforts are made to provide mental health services as a part of general health system. In this regard, Central Government supplements the State Government’s efforts through District Mental Health Programme, Strengthening of Psychiatric Wings of Medical Colleges/General Hospitals and Modernisation/Upgradation of Mental Hospitals to make them therapeutic units. The Govt. proposes to re-strategise the National Mental Health Programme with input from National Institute of Mental Health & Neurosciences, Bangalore, during 11th Plan to expand District Mental Health Programme to cover the areas of suicide prevention, stress management, School Mental Health etc. and also to create infrastructure for production of quality manpower/training of personnel etc. for effective delivery of mental health services