Poison intake up

10 September 2010 08:15 am - 13 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The number of people consuming poison in order to commit suicide has seen a drastic rise creating a major public health issue, a press release to mark World Suicide Prevention Day today said.

The statement released by VSO, an international development charity that has been working in Sri Lanka added that although suicide numbers are on the decline in the island, still in Sri Lanka, on average11 people die by suicide every day and there are concerns at the numbers of people who take poison.

For each person who dies by suicide, it is estimated that at least 10 others deliberately harm themselves, the statement added.

Director of the National Institute of Mental Health, Dr. Jayan Mendis said that psychiatric services in Sri Lanka have improved dramatically in the last 10 years as services are no longer centred in the South, but can be accessed locally, in every district, right across the island.

"But preventing suicide and self harm is about more than increasing the availability of services. It is clear to me that preventing suicide is everyone’s responsibility," he said in the statement. (Daily Mirror online)

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Comments - 13

Wasantha Friday, 10 September 2010 08:33 AM

In a country where everything is rising and it has become very difficult to live. Such a situation, no alternative other than die.Hope, that 19th amendment will address the issue. No need to rush like 18th amendment. and have the time till 2014.

PARAMANATHAN.K Friday, 10 September 2010 09:09 AM

This is not a public health issue but rather a social problems among people which has to be addressed immediately

A. Pubbaka Friday, 10 September 2010 09:18 AM

Well said Wasa, ILU if you are a female.

pwc Friday, 10 September 2010 09:18 AM

Read the article well. It says "decline in suicide" only intake poison to suicide as the method to suicide has increased.

willows Friday, 10 September 2010 09:28 AM

Jayaweva? This is the begining of Suba anagathayak

Lalith Friday, 10 September 2010 10:32 AM

Typical sri lanka. Want everything for free. Without working hard, blame everything on the government.

suneth Friday, 10 September 2010 10:38 AM

We can prevent !

Kadiya Friday, 10 September 2010 11:05 AM

Suicide is gonna increase some more now that the bread price has gone up and more and more toddlers will make their way into dumpsters.

prassa Friday, 10 September 2010 11:10 AM

So what ?? are you asking us to be proud it ??!! still 11 people die every day by killing themselves.

Helasebala Friday, 10 September 2010 01:24 PM

The Good Doc may not know that at the rate Sri Lankans consume poison (by the way of adulterated food & beverages) our systems have become immune to all varieties of toxins

Suresh Friday, 10 September 2010 05:23 PM

by 2014 all those voted for the 18A will have comitted sucide realising what they have doen

Calistus Jayatilleke Saturday, 11 September 2010 10:55 AM

Yes, we also saw with our own eyes how some Opposition members consumed poison and committed suicide in the parliament last Wednesday.

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Poison intake up

Comments - 13

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