Ministry, Police note decline in suicide cases

Campaigning and awareness programmes help in reducing suicide cases in Fiji this year.

This was revealed by the Minister for Health and Medical Services, Dr Ifereimi Waqainabete and Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro yesterday.

Ms Naisoro said that this was an issue that they had been working on with relevant stakeholders to address, as well as through their community policing where they created awareness.

Minster for Health and Medical Services, Dr Ifereimi Waqainabete was glad to see there has been a decline in the number of suicides. “It is our hard work we put in this year and we championed mental health. We had mental health awareness and campaigns constantly,” the minister said.

“The work was done by our psychiatrist, our mental health, stake holders and counselor in raising awareness.”

He added that being in a festive season didn’t mean everybody was festive and joyful.

“There will be somebody who will be feeling upset so continue to ask family and friends how they are doing,” Dr Waqainabete said. “Mental health and awareness is a big scope within the Ministry of Health. There is a lot of strengthening happening.

“Every hospital has stress beds if someone is facing stress.

“We are having a growing number of young doctors interested in mental health which is good to know.”