As Eastern Visayas has generally been considered one of the least-developed regions in the country, it's no surprise that reports of suicides or attempted suicides have become commonplace in the region.
But more than simply understanding the root causes of mental illnesses and suicides in the region, the regional office of the Department of Health (DOH) now seeks more accurate data on suicide incidents in the region.
This is one of the main reasons the DOH and the Philippine National Police (PNP) agreed to synchronize data sharing between health facilities and police stations.
“Accurate reporting is needed as current data collection on suicide cases in Eastern Visayas is fragmented, as health facilities and police stations often operate independently, leading to inconsistencies and gaps in reporting,” DOH-Eastern Visayas regional information officer Jelyn Lopez-Malibago said in a media interview.
Most cases of suicides are rarely reported to the authorities, primarily due to families seeking to keep the incident private.
However, available data collected from rural health units revealed that there were 49 suicide cases in 2022.
Meanwhile, police stations in the province logged 204 suicide cases from January to December 2023.
Malibago said this collaboration between the DOH and the PNP will ensure consistent and accurate reporting of suicide cases, enabling better public health responses, improved mental health services, and enhanced suicide prevention efforts across the region.
The health department urged all city health offices, rural health units, and all government and private hospitals in the region to coordinate with their respective police stations to ensure the harmonization of data on suicide incidents.
“All suicide-related data recorded at the health facility level must be shared with the corresponding city or municipal police stations and vice versa, prior to recording and submitting reports to higher reporting units. This step is crucial to ensuring consistency and accuracy in regional reporting,” Malibago added.
Those suffering from depression are encouraged to talk to trusted individuals, look for diversion like gardening or doing artwork, and seek help from health professionals.
The DOH-Eastern Visayas regional hotlines for suicide-related calls are 09474238423 and 09665316464.
The National Center for Mental Health helplines are 09190571553 and 09178998727.
(With report from PNA)
Photo Courtesy: NCMH Crisis Hotline FB Page
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