Siena:Minister for Health and Food Hygiene Nisha Mehta and Acting Director General of the Department of Health Services Dr. Krishna Paudel were among those who unveiled the ‘National Guidelines on Suicide Risk Assessment and Management, 2083’ during a program held in recognition of World Mental Health Day 2026.
According to National News Agency Nepal, the guidelines are designed to identify suicide risk promptly and ensure individuals in distress have access to appropriate support, treatment, and services.
The guidelines aim to standardize the procedures for identifying suicide risk, determining risk levels, and formulating safety plans. They also focus on providing initial support for suicide prevention and referring individuals for further treatment as needed. Health workers are provided with technical guidance to assess the condition of individuals at risk of suicide, ensuring that services delivered are respectful, safe, and evidence-based.
These guidelines are expected to enhance the health service system’s ability to identify at-risk individuals early and provide necessary support. They include provisions for risk assessment and management aligned with a tiered service delivery system.
Minister Mehta highlighted the importance of the guidelines, stating that their introduction represents a significant step forward in strengthening the health service system for timely identification and management of suicide risk.
The Department of Health Services plans to implement the guidelines effectively through coordination and collaboration among federal, provincial, and local governments, health workers, and the community, aiming to ensure at-risk individuals receive timely support and treatment.