24 patients ended lives at TB hospital: Report
On May 2, a woman from Thane, who was suffering from tuberculosis, committed suicide by jumping into the lake.
Mumbai: As many as 24 patients at the city’s civic-run Sewri Tuberculosis (TB) Hospital have committed suicide in the past eight years, a Right to Information (RTI) query has revealed.
During the past eight years, these 24 patients were undergoing treatment at the hospital and were suffering from severe depression and hence, committed suicide.
According to doctors, many TB patients suffer from depression which is the reason behind the suicides and there are no special counselors for these patients.
On May 2, a woman from Thane, who was suffering from tuberculosis, committed suicide by jumping into the lake.
Dr Lalitkumar Anande, medical superintendent of the Mumbai TB hospital said, “The cases of TB patients committing suicide has declined considerably over the past few years. In the hospital, we are trying to hold continuous counseling sessions and keeping patients motivated.”
Dr Rahul Bhatambre, a consultant neuro-psychiatrist attached to Mumbai’s Sewri TB hospital, said, “Depression is the leading cause behind suicide cases among TB patients. They just need warmth and continuous activity which keeps them occupied. Many patients suffer from ‘psychosis’ due to the medicines which they have to take which is why they are counseled time and again.”