‘Anti-Suicide Device’ On Ceiling Fans To Stop Student Deaths

Q: Question: What is National Suicide Prevention Strategy?

Answer: The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare formulated the National Suicide Prevention Strategy to prevent suicides as a public health priority. The policy that will set the stage for promotion of mental health and prevention of suicides in the coming decade. The goal of the strategy is to reduce suicide mortality in the country by 10 per cent by 2023.

Q: Question: What is Euthanasia?

Answer: 'Euthanasia' is the painless killing of a patient suffering from an incurable and painful disease or in an irreversible coma.

Q: Question: What is Depression?

Answer: Depression (major depressive disorder) is a common and serious medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, the way you think and how you act.

Relevance: GS 2 - Issues relating to the development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health; Government policies

(Source: The Hindu, 08/19/23)

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Why in the news?

Recently, authorities in Kota, a prominent coaching hub for competitive exams, have taken an anti-suicide measure to prevent suicides by installing a spring device on ceiling fans in hostels.
- The device activates if an object weighing more than 20 kilos is hung from the fan and triggers a siren while expanding the spring, preventing suicides by hanging.
In 2023, there have been 20 reported suicides, compared to 15 in 2022.

Table of Contents

Reasons for suicides in Kota
Measures to be taken
FAQs

Anti-Suicide Device

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Reasons for suicides in Kota

Mental stress and the pressure of studies.
Lack of confidence due to low scores,
High expectations from parents,
Financial difficulties, blackmail, and love affairs

Measures to be taken

Periodic psychological tests should be conducted on students to determine if they are at risk.
Discouraging the glorification of toppers,
Assess children’s aptitude: The parents should assess their children's aptitude through professional help before deciding whether to send them to Kota to prepare for the highly competitive JEE and NEET exams.
Creating avenues for students to discuss their feelings openly, seek support, and obtain professional help through counseling centers.
Awareness: It encourages universities to educate students, teachers, and parents about mental health, stress management, and seeking mental health support.
De-stigmatize students who seek mental health support.

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FAQs

Question: What is National Suicide Prevention Strategy?

Answer:

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare formulated the National Suicide Prevention Strategy to prevent suicides as a public health priority.

The policy that will set the stage for promotion of mental health and prevention of suicides in the coming decade. The goal of the strategy is to reduce suicide mortality in the country by 10 per cent by 2023.

Question: What is Euthanasia?

Answer:

'Euthanasia' is the painless killing of a patient suffering from an incurable and painful disease or in an irreversible coma.

Question: What is Depression?

Answer:

Depression (major depressive disorder) is a common and serious medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, the way you think and how you act.

UPSC Mains Practice Question: Explain how ethics contributes to social and human well-being. (GS4-2016)

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