MADURAI: Around 414 poisoning cases were treated in the Melur government hospital in the past eight months (January to August 2025). Among these, the number of female patients has been high.
According to official records, the number of patients that were treated is 51 in January, 49 in February, 47 in March, 48 in April, 52 in May, 62 in June, 55 in July, and 50 in August.
Besides, 85 high-priority cases were referred to the Government Rajaji Hospital (GRH) for treatment. An official from Government Melur Hospital told TNIE that social and emotional issues lead people to take such an extreme step. Academic failure is one of the reasons pushing youngsters to make such a decision. However, romantic discords are also another reason.”
She added, “Among poisoning cases, the number of female patients is more than male. Around 220 female patients were treated in the last eight months.”
She further said, “It is easier to handle lesser or mild chemical poisoning cases. However, when the consumed chemical content gets higher, things start getting complicated. Since it leads to decreased blood pressure and heart rate, along with other symptoms like tearing of eyes, blurred vision, salivation, vomiting, etc.” Dr Geethanjali, GRH Psychiatry department HOD, said, “Many factors lead to such situations.
Lonely and isolated individuals are more vulnerable, and financial issues are an add-on. So, we need to understand the risk and protective factors so that they help prevent such tendencies. When it comes to youngsters, they are under intense pressure to succeed in academics, relationships, and careers. So, fear of failure is a trigger factor.”
(Assistance for those who are having suicidal thoughts is available on TN Health Department’s Helpline number 104)