Moved by the spate of suicides by farmers in Telangana, a serving Indian Air Force officer has come out with a sustainable suicide prevention model, which is likely to be replicated by the State Government.
The Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao evinced interest in the model, which was elaborated in a book released earlier this week. The man behind model is 56-year-old Group Captain Gurrapu Jagadishwar Rao, a high-ranking IAF official and native of Kazipet in Warangal district.
Mr. Rao, who will retire next May after chequered service of 40 years in the IAF, has come out with the effective and economically sustainable model based on tried and tested ones in vogue .
Multi-sectoral approachGroup Captain Rao told The Hindu on Sunday that the strategy involves comprehensive and multi-sectoral approach by integrating various agencies, including health, education, revenue, legal, government and volunteers.
“I had briefed the Chief Minister about the model and he felt that this could be implemented in the State with immediate effect,” Mr. Rao said adding that a Suicide Prevention Counselling Centre in Hyderabad with 24x7 counselling services could be operated by highly qualified, trained and experienced counsellors. “The present 104 toll free services of Arogyasri can be utilised without incurring any additional expenditure to provide access through the call centre and one-on-one consultation,” he added.
Access to pesticides, acidsSimilar centres at the district level in the Government hospitals and medical colleges were suggested.
The model lays emphasis on restricting the access to the means of committing suicide such as pesticides, acids, certain medicines and fire arms. He has suggested that no pesticides should be stored in the homes similar to a model which was in place in Kandamangalam and Kurungudi villages of Cuddalore district. Pesticides could be stored in a central location in lockers manned by Government employees and volunteers.
The IAF officer has also stressed the need for taking up mass awareness campaign through the 24x7 counselling services and sensitisation programme throughout the State.
Collection of accurate data of suicides and attempted suicides has been underscored in the model as it would help the individual in seeking professional help overcome the suicidal tendencies.
