The Saint John of God Hospital has suggested introduction of National Suicide Prevention Strategy if the Country is to deal with the rising cases of suicide.
Officials from the Hospital said this on Tuesday during a meeting with the Parliamentary Committee on Health where they were summoned to give an update on the mental health situation.
Speaking to MIJ Online, Mwawi Ng’oma, Saint John of God Programmes Manager said there is need to come up with the strategy saying the situation currently is worse looking at the number of cases they are receiving at the hospital
She further suggested sensitisation on National Alcohol Abuse Policy saying many youths are committing suicide because of effects of drug abuse.
Furthermore, Ng’oma said the Suicide cases have also increased following the impact of Covid-19 that left many in financial distress.
On his Part, Matthews Ngwale Chairperson of the Committee said the issue of introducing a strategy needs to be thoroughly looked into to understand the areas which should be tacked in the strategy.