IMA Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Branch Launches Suicide Prevention Task Force for Medical Students

The newly formed task force comprises experienced psychiatrists who are committed to providing essential counseling support to students navigating emotional and academic difficulties. The expertise and dedication of the task force are anticipated to have a profound impact on the mental well-being of medical students, offering them a resource to cope with the pressures they may face during their academic journey.

To further engage with students on the critical issues of depression and suicide prevention, an interactive panel discussion was organized specifically for first-year MBBS students. The session, inaugurated by GMCH dean Dr Shivaji Sukre, featured esteemed doctors who interacted with students in a friendly and approachable manner, extending guidance and support, reports Lokmattimes. 

The initiative, led by Dr Yashwant Gade, president, and Dr Anupam Takalkar, secretary of IMA, aims to foster a supportive environment for students. As part of this effort, a poster displaying contact details of the task force members has been strategically placed in hostels and libraries for easy access, ensuring that students can reach out for assistance when needed. This comprehensive approach signifies the commitment of the IMA to prioritize the mental health and well-being of medical students. Dr Syeda Afroz, Dr Shubha Zavar, Dr Shilpa Asegaonkar, Dr Sangita Shinde were also given due credit for their input in organizing the event, reports the daily.

This programme attempts to address the growing number of suicide cases in the medical community while showcasing the branch's dedication to the welfare of its students. Medical Dialogues previously reported that in the last five years, altogether 119 medical students committed suicide and 1,166 students left medical colleges and institutes. Referring to the data submitted by 512 medical colleges in the country, the Apex medical education regulatory body, NMC has further revealed that 64 UG and 55 MD/MS students committed suicides in the last five years.