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Time for action on suicide strategy
Time for action on suicide strategy
The Government must stop the rhetoric on developing a national suicide strategy and get down to business, says National's Health spokeswoman, Dr Lynda Scott.
New Zealand has the second highest suicide rate in the OECD for men and the fourth highest for women.
New suicide figures released today show the total number of suicides rose by almost 10% in 2001, the latest period for which statistics are available.
Dr Scott says National began work on the suicide strategy in 1998, but after four and a half years in government, Labour has failed to complete it. In fact, it will not be completed for at least another year.
"This is a serious issue for New Zealand. Young adults have the highest suicide rates and deserve more than platitudes - they deserve action.
"Suicide has been a major problem in this country
for far too long", says Dr Scott.
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