London: In an effort to reduce the tendency of suicide among people, the UK government has introduced a strategy that includes the soon-to-be-implemented restriction on over-the-counter drugs containing paracetamol.
This move is being considered as a proactive step to curb the misuse of this readily available medication, which has been linked to fatal liver damage.
Under the current regulations, individuals can purchase a maximum of two packets of paracetamol-containing medication, typically totalling 16 tablets of 500mg each. However, the government has sought the expertise of the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) to explore further restrictions on access to these drugs.
Furthermore, the National Suicide Prevention Strategy outlines the establishment of a national alert system designed to inform schools and colleges across the country about emerging methods of suicide. This approach aims to equip educational institutions with the knowledge and tools to identify and address potential threats to student well-being.
Ministers in the UK have set a challenging goal of reducing suicide rates in England within just two and a half years. A Cambridge University Press study conducted in 2018 found paracetamol to be the most commonly used drug for self-poisoning in the UK, emphasizing the urgent need for measures to restrict its availability.
With over 5,000 suicides reported annually and an overwhelming 200,000 monthly crisis calls received by the National Health Service (NHS), these new policies mark a significant shift in the government's approach to tackling this pressing public health issue.