– Health Minister announces formation of ‘soon to be launched’ Mental Health Council
THE launching of a Mental Health Council, comprising members from recognised religious communities, and other stakeholders, will soon “up the ante” against suicide.

This was disclosed by Minister of Health, Dr Bheri Ramsaran at a walk Sunday organised by the Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Indian Arrival Committee (IAC) that started at Lamaha and Light Streets and ended at the Square of the Revolution. The IAC had earlier called for suicide prevention to be a national priority.
Minister Ramsaran also disclosed that, earlier this year, over 200 nurses received specialist training via a UK trained specialist mental health nurse. One hundred and

fifty persons drawn from the Health Ministry, Guyana Police Force, Prison Service and the Social Services Ministry, have also been trained to address those who need assistance to cope with issues that may lead to suicide. Participants were also urged by the Health Minister to “reach out and stay connected” with those who may be depressed,
Minister Ramsaran said that the campaign will “stretch across several ministries” to ensure more participation. He stated that while all Guyanese are potential victims of suicide and suicidal behaviour, studies have shown that certain groups within society are more prone to commit the act. “For example, a recent study showed that Hindus tend to be, and especially male Hindus, more susceptible.”
He added that the ministry will be working with the IAC and other stakeholders in suicide prevention efforts.
Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Shamdeo Persaud expressed similar sentiments, calling on stakeholders to reach out to others and make

a difference, noting that while medical professionals have a role to play, others have a role in helping to prevent persons from committing suicide.
A call was made by the Pan American Health Organisation Resident Representative, Dr. William Adu-Krow to reduce access to the commonly used pesticides, employed by many to commit suicide. This can be done in partnership with the Agriculture Ministry, along with the Education Ministry to educate the high risk groups, such as those between ages 20 to 45 years. Those above 60 years old are also at risk, he added, as he gave PAHO’s commitment to work with the Health Ministry and all stakeholders in the suicide prevention fight.

Executive Member of the IAC, Neaz Subhan, in brief remarks, expressed appreciation to those who participated in the early morning event, especially the students. There was a large contingent from the Sarswattie Vidya Niketan School in Region 3. He said that, based on the numbers of those who commit suicide, it was not something that anyone should be proud of. “All of us, community groups, religious groups, non-governmental organisations or others, we need to ensure that we do our part, that we can be able to say that, in a very short time, Guyana is not the suicide capital of the world. We must be able to work towards that.”
Subhan added that the IAC wants suicide to be declared a national priority, with the resultant discussions and planned strategy to provide help and a mechanism to assist those with such

tendencies.
Describing the incidence of suicide as a “painful experience,” Caribbean Voice representative, Dr. Faith Harding said everyone must be part of the effort to stop this. “It is everybody’s business and this partnership among the Government, all the organisations and the communities is of great importance, so that we remove the scourge and help each and everyone in our nation to avoid suicide, or see suicide as an option.”
In brief remarks, Psychiatrist, Dr. Bhiro Harry made a passionate plea to youths in particular, calling on them to help and inform older persons if their friends seem troubled in any way.

“Go to your relatives, go to any adult, whoever you have, talk to that person. Let that person know what you have seen, what you have heard, what you think, it is very, very important.” He stressed that is there is effective treatment for depression and persons should seek to talk with those who seem “down” and get them the help they may need.
Guyana was recently declared as the country with the most suicides per capita, in the world. The Health Ministry is embarking on a number of programmes and initiatives to address this issue, described by the sector minister as a national health emergency.

(GINA)