Kerala Health Minister Calls for Stronger Family Bonds to Curb Suicides

Health Minister K. Muraleedharan has stressed the need for stronger family bonds to address the rising trend of suicides in society. Inaugurating the State-level World Suicide Prevention Day observance at Government Medical College, Kollam, on Thursday, he expressed deep concern over growing rates of depression and suicidal tendencies among youth and IT professionals.

The Minister said parents and children must spend quality time communicating and sharing their concerns. He suggested that concepts such as 'Dinner with Parents' be implemented in households to build stronger emotional connections. He also called for a collective societal effort to tackle the issue, adding that the health department will intensify awareness campaigns and targeted interventions.

Muraleedharan also outlined plans to develop the State's medical colleges into top-tier national institutions. He said the government intends to update outdated staff patterns and fill doctor vacancies in emergency units to ensure round-the-clock service. A comprehensive master plan will be prepared to fully utilise medical college land for future infrastructure expansion, he added.

The event was presided over by B.B. Gopakumar, MLA. N.K. Premachandran MP, district panchayat president R. Lathadevi, District Collector Anie Jula Thomas, Director of Medical Education Viswanathan K. V., State Chief Liaison Officer Shajahan P. S., District Medical Officer Sheeja A. L., Medical College Principal Indu P. S. and Superintendent Asha K.S. also spoke.