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Karnataka Suicide Reattempts Plummet to 1.6%
10 Sep
Summary
- Karnataka's Ushas project drastically reduces suicide reattempts to 1.6%.
- The initiative offers counseling and long-term support to survivors.
- Ushas has expanded to all 31 districts across Karnataka.
Karnataka's groundbreaking Urban Self-Harm Study (Ushas) project has demonstrated significant success in preventing suicide reattempts. As of September 10, 2026, the project has recorded an exceptional reattempt rate of just 1.6% among survivors who received its intervention. This rate is considerably lower than the global average. The Ushas project, a joint venture between the Karnataka government and the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (Nimhans), aims to provide comprehensive support to individuals experiencing distress.
Launched in 2022, Ushas operates within 16 hospitals across 10 districts and has recently been extended to all 31 districts in Karnataka. The initiative has already registered 35,436 cases, with over 26,000 survivors receiving counseling and risk assessment. Families are also included in the support system, with over 31,000 families engaged. The intervention includes hospital-based sessions, 12 months of follow-up calls, and a dedicated helpline.
Expansion of the Ushas project is being supported by CSR funding from Himalaya Wellness Company. This move establishes Karnataka as a leader in implementing a structured post-attempt care pathway within its government hospital network. Future phases of the program will be guided by an analysis of the first year's findings, ensuring continuous improvement and broader impact on mental health support.
