Gatekeeper Model to prevent Suicides

Gatekeeper Model to prevent Suicides

Part of: GS Prelims and GS – II – Policies and interventions

In news In order to prevent suicides triggered by mental health issues in prisons across the country, the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, has recommended the “Gatekeeper Model”.

• NIMHANS is an Institute of National Importance.
• The Bangalore Prison Mental Health Study has pointed to the prevalence of mental illness and substance use disorder in about 80% of the prison population.

About the Gatekeeper Model

• Under the model, certain inmates will be selected and trained to identify prisoners who seem to be at risk of suicide.
• They would then refer them to treatment or supportive services.
• NIMHANS has issued a set of guidelines on the management of mental health issues of the prisoners and prison staff. 
• It was important to regularly assess Prisoners with mental disorders for severity of suicidal risk and also put on regular and supervised medication. 

What did NIMHANS Advisory recommend?

• The NIMHANS advisory said the concept of a ‘Buddy System’ — social support through trained prisoners called “buddies” or “listeners” — was found to have a good impact on the well-being of suicidal prisoners. 
• Periodic telephone conversations with friends and family would also foster support.
• These initiatives were part of several other recommendations made by NIMHANS to effectively manage mental health issues among prisoners and staff.

News Source: TH