District Mental Health Program & MIMHANS lead awareness drive with the theme “Changing the Narratives on Suicide”
The growing concern over rising cases of suicide has prompted collective action in East Khasi Hills. To spread awareness and promote suicide prevention, the District Mental Health Program, East Khasi Hills, in collaboration with MIMHANS, organized a public rally on Saturday as part of the Observation of World Suicide Prevention Day 2025.
The rally commenced from the premises of MIMHANS, passed through Polo and Lawmali, and concluded at Ganesh Das Hospital. This year’s global theme was “Changing the Narratives on Suicide.”
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. B. Sohklet highlighted a grim statistic from The Lancet Public Health Report, which states that around 740,000 people worldwide die by suicide every year — one life lost every 43 seconds. He urged society not to abandon individuals facing mental health struggles, but to extend support and connect them to proper healthcare facilities.
Other dignitaries addressing the gathering included Dr. Deity Nongrum, District Nodal Officer; Dr. Trustman E. Basaiawmoit, Psychiatrist; and Dr. P. Kharnarry, Additional Superintendent, MIMHANS.
The program also witnessed enthusiastic participation from students of NEIGRIHMS Hospital and staff members of MIMHANS, who joined in spreading the message of awareness and support.