TTAP: Erroneous coverage on suicide and SEA

The association in a media release yesterday said it wanted to clarify certain reports based on the Khan’s contribution at the recent Joint Select Committee (JSC) enquiry into the state of mental health services and facilities in Trinidad and Tobago.

The association said that a broadcaster and other media outlets reported that Khan suggested that the SE A exam was partly to blame for students being placed on suicide watch.

“This is an incorrect record of comments made by Dr Khan.

Her comments on the SE A exam were in direct response to a question by the Committee chairperson on whether the SE A exam was a factor contributing to suicide amongst students. Dr Khan indicated that the SE A is indeed stressful for both parents and students and it would be worthwhile to conduct more research into the impact of the SE A exam on students.” The association also sought to correct a media report in which Khan is reported as stating that 400 students were on suicide watch based on a Pan American Health Organisation report.

The association pointed out that Khan had noted PAHO’s significant and creditable contribution to suicide prevention.

She had also said that there had been meetings to develop a National Suicide Plan led by the Health Ministry “and the figure relating to the number of students in schools on suicide watch was given by a stakeholder at one of these meetings.” “The cited figure was subsequently erroneously attributed to a PAHO report in one newspaper.

Dr Khan did not attribute any report to the PAHO or to the Ministry of Health, neither was any specific report on this issue identified by Dr Khan in her contribution to the JSC. “ The association commended the JSC on its work and expressed hope “that the evident commitment and fervour of its members can lead to tangible developments.” The association also commended the Ministry of Health and its Mental Health Unit for their work in engaging stakeholders to develop strategies to address mental health issues.

“The association is heartened by the current level of national interest in improving mental health. There are many gaps that need to be addressed and the association is resolute in its commitment to contributing to developing effective solutions to mental health problems, including that of children at risk of suicide. We thank you for the opportunity to be of service.”