Suicide in Bhutan is more common amongst the most productive age group of 15-40 years.
On Saturday, while observing the World Suicide Prevention Day, the health minister, Tandin Wangchuk said 87 percent of suicide deaths occurred within the most productive age group from 2009-13.
Though, suicide rate has been decreasing globally, it has been increasing in Bhutan.
Lyonpo said 361 died by suicide from 2009-13 in Bhutan. This means Bhutan lost 73 people to suicide a year.
Likewise 88 percent of suicide deaths took place in rural areas with 66 percent among married people.
Suicide death rate, among low income group with monthly earning of less than 3000, was 58 percent.
The government has adopted a three-year suicide prevention action plan in 2015 to reduce suicide rate in the country.
Lyonpo said all the 20 Dzongkhags and other stakeholders to have been asked to implement the action plan. He said it is clearly mentioned in the document as to what each Ministry, CSOs, private companies, Dzongkhags and Local Governments are to do.
“The problem cannot be solved by one or two individuals. The nation has to work together.”
The minister added the Suicide Prevention Program under the Department of Public Health has been set up to implement the plan.
Bhutan observed the World Suicide Prevention Day in the capital, Saturday. Connect, communicate, care is the theme of this year suicide prevention day.
Based on the theme, the Health Minister Tandin Wangchuk highlighted the need to connect with those who lost loved ones to suicide and communicate to those who are vulnerable to suicide.
Lyonpo also advised the students gathered for the event to make use of health helpline number 112 for counseling.
A Facebook page called “Move Over Matters Bhutan” was also launched during the event.
The page will give experts’ assistance to people seeking counseling or medical advices.
