Suicide Numbers in Hong Kong 2022-23 (October 23 update)
Dear Department of Health,
In April this year, I lodged a FOI request as below:
a. Quarterly numbers of deaths classified as suicide since 2022 to present
in Hong Kong, detailed by sex and age group of the deceased
David Yau replied with the following:
In Hong Kong, a death registration system is in place to collect
information related to all deaths that occurred locally. The Department of
Health compiles annual mortality statistics based on the death
registration at the Immigration Department. Kindly note that the
mortality statistics in 2022 are still being compiled. Provisional
mortality statistics for 2022 are expected to be released in the third
quarter of 2023 and finalised statistics will be released in the fourth
quarter of 2023.
As we are now in the final quarter of 2023, can you please advise when these figures will be available?
Yours faithfully,
Allyson van de Pol
Dear Allyson,
Thank you for your enquiry dated 17.10.2023.
Please be informed that the provisional mortality statistics for 2022 were
released in July 2023 while the finalised mortality statistics for 2022
will be released within this quarter.
Regarding your request for deaths classified as suicide, it is presumably
that you refer to registered deaths due to intentional self-harm (ICD-10
codes: X60-X84) as indicated in our reply on 18 April 2023. A file showing
the quarterly registered deaths due to intentional self-harm by age group
and sex is attached for your reference.
Please note that the death statistics is compiled based on births and
deaths registered under the Births and Deaths Registration Ordinance (Cap.
174, Laws of Hong Kong) during the specified period. Since suicidal
deaths are registered only upon the completion of Coroner's investigation,
these deaths may be registered in the same quarter of or later after the
death occurred.
Regards,
(YAU Tak Wai David)
for Director of Health
Dear Department of Health,
Thank you David.
When will the data for 2023 be available?
Yours faithfully,
Allyson van de Pol
Dear Allyson,
Thank you for your enquiry dated 19.10.2023.
The Department of Health compiles and publishes mortality statistics
annually. Provisional mortality statistics for 2023 are expected to be
released in the third quarter of 2024 while the finalised statistics for
2023 will be released in the fourth quarter of 2024.
Regards,
(YAU Tak Wai David)
for Director of Health
From: Allyson van de Pol <[FOI #1442 email]>
To: FOI requests at Department of Health <[Department of Health request email]>
Date: 19/10/2023 12:11
Subject: Re: *Restricted: Re: Freedom of Information request -
Suicide Numbers in Hong Kong 2022-23 (October 23 update)
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Dear Department of Health,
Thank you David.
When will the data for 2023 be available?
Yours faithfully,
Allyson van de Pol
