Context:
Recently, a study published in The Lancet revealed that India loses approximately Rs 13.4 lakh crore ($16 billion) annually due to suicides.
More on the News:
- The study, published is the first state-wise economic quantification of suicides and underlines the need for interventions to prevent loss of lives.
- The study, which is based on data from 195,000 suicide cases across 31 states and Union territories in 2019, highlighted the scale of the problem.
Key Highlights of the Study:
- Karnataka, despite having only 5% of India’s population, accounts for 20% of the country’s economic losses due to suicides, amounting to ₹2.33 lakh crore (Highest) of economic loss.
- Economic Impact: The combined financial burden from Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra constitutes nearly 45% of the country’s total suicide-related losses, surpassing the Union health ministry’s annual budget.
- Suicide Rates: India’s suicide rate is 14 per 100,000 people, significantly higher than the global average of 9 per 100,000, earning it the unfortunate title of “suicide capital of the world.”
The National Suicide Prevention Strategy has a target to reduce suicide mortality by 10 percent by 2030.
- Demographic Trends: The most affected group is individuals aged 20-34, accounting for 53% of all suicides, directly impacting the country’s economic growth and future workforce potential.
- Gender Disparities: The study notes an increase in suicide rates among women in 20 states and Union territories, contributing to the overall economic burden.
- Mental Health Concerns: Mental health-related suicides are rising across the state, exacerbated by depression, substance abuse, and untreated mental health disorders.
- Karnataka’s Situation: The state is among the top five with the highest suicide rates in India according to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), with an estimated 36 people dying by suicide each day in 2021.
Over the past 15 months, approximately 1,500 farmers in Karnataka have died by suicide due to financial distress, crop failures, and mounting debt.
Suicide Prevention Strategies:
- Multi-Sectoral Approach: According to the Lancet report, collaborative effort is needed involving government, healthcare, education, and corporate sectors to effectively prevent suicide.
- Comprehensive Strategy: Address root causes by integrating mental health awareness, financial counseling, and suicide prevention hotlines.
- Budgetary Focus: The report calls for better funding specifically for suicide prevention programs, emphasizing the need to address socio-economic factors like poverty and unemployment.
Karnataka-Specific Plan: A tailored strategy for Karnataka is crucial, focusing on:
- Mental health care
- Financial assistance
- Community outreach for vulnerable populations.