I have just learnt about the sad death of a 27 years old Indian student, who was in Maribyrnong immigration detention Centre in Melbourne since Jan 2014. He was a University student and was in the Detention Centre because his Visa was cancelled for breach of Visa conditions. Details of his Visa situations are not clear.
Yesterday, he was found in an unconscious state. He later died. His death is not being considered suspicious, which usually means that he committed suicide. Further details are not known at this stage.
It is a sad news for anyone, but obviously for his parents and family. Our hearts go out to them. R.I.P!
Many members of Indian Australian community are asking why and how did this happen, and what was done to prevent it, knowing he would have been in severe distress. Full facts are not out at this stage, but we ask DIBP and Minister Morrison’s office to put Indian community in the loop with full information and take them in confidence. We also ask Indian High Commission in Canberra and Indian Consulate in Melbourne to take the community in confidence, sharing detailed information. It is not an ordinary death. A young man came to Australia, with his hopes and hopes of his family. All those hopes are shattered and his parents have to deal with the sad and unfortunate loss of his life. This must be naturally devastating to them.
It is well known that detention is a stressful situation and it creates distress and mental health issues for detainees. Mental health issues are number one health issues in Detention centres.
While no Govt can close detention centres, and detainees will continue to be detained for various reasons, they certainly can ensure proper pastoral care and monitoring of mental health issues among detainees. Staff in these centres must be properly trained to look out for any sign of severe distress and depression.
I understand, and believe firmly, that authorities have a “Duty of Care” to those who are in any custody-Mental Health institutions, Hospitals, Police Lock-up places, Prisons and Detention Centres. Duty of Care also includes reasonable monitoring of signs & symptoms of distress and depression, and providing assistance and counselling to prevent self-harm or harm to others.
Recently, IHAG (Immigration Health Advisory Group), comprising of GPs, psychologists, psychiatrists, Social workers and Counsellors has been replaced with a single advisor. I hope this will not impact on the care of people in detention.
We are a caring society, and must continue to remain so, within the constraints of our means and resources, while dealing with vulnerable people, and people in custody.
In regards to this particular unfortunate case, a thorough investigation should be done, which I believe is happening, to figure out all aspects of the case.
Dr Yadu Singh/Sydney/14th Feb, 2014
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People can have their views, which are fine by me. They are allowed here as long as they are not abusive or defamatory.
Dr Yadu Singh
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I seldom leave a response, however I looked at a few
of the remarks on People in detention centres in Australia should be monitored for mental health issues!
| Yadu Singh’s Blog. I do have a couple of questions for you if it’s okay.
Is it just me or does it give the impression like some of these responses appear like they are coming from brain dead folks?
😛 And, if you are writing on additional places, I would like to keep up with
you. Would you post a list of the complete urls of all your social sites like your linkedin profile, Facebook page or twitter feed?
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This is a shocker and if more details on the student can be provided, we will have to see that the right message is provided to the parents and press in India. It can be mis-interpreted by press quite easily.
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