Public cooperation pivotal to overcome drug menace from society: DC Srinagar

Srinagar, Feb 8: As a part of the ongoing efforts of the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment to address drug demand through the National Action Plan For Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR), an Addiction Treatment Facility(ATF) Centre under Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan was inaugurated at Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (IMHANS) Govt Psychiatric Diseases Hospital, Badamwari here on Thursday.
The Addiction Treatment Facility was inaugurated by Union Minister Social Justice and Empowerment Minister, Dr. Virendra Kumar through virtual mode.
Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Dr. Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat and Principal Government Medical College(GMC), Srinagar Dr. Masood Tanvir Bhat were present at the inaugural ceremony.
While, Administrator, GMC, Srinagar Mohammad Ashraf Hakak, Nodal Officer ATF IMHAANS, Dr Arshid, Incharge Drug De-addiction Centre SMHS Hospital, Dr Yasir, DDMO, Srinagar, Imtiyaz Amin Naik and other concerned were also present on the occasion.
After dedicating ATF to the public, the Union Minister Social Justice and Empowerment Minister, Dr. Virendra Kumar in his address through virtual mode said that these ATF centres will prove beneficial in eradicating the menace of drug abuse from the society and help make the dream of drug free nation a reality. He said public participation will play a crucial role towards this cause.
Speaking on the occasion, the Deputy Commissioner Srinagar said that the objective of ATF is to bridge the gap between drug abuse victims and the treatment facility dedicated for them.
While interacting with the Staff of ATF, the DC emphasised upon the Doctors and other Paramedical staff to take the job as a noble task and treat the affected people with patience and dedication.
The DC further said elimination of drug menace from society is top priority of the Government and to combat this rising societal problem, multi-pronged rehabilitation, counselling and guidance policy is being implemented on ground to monitor drug abuse and take remedial measures to curb the menace.
The DC also sought cooperation from the families particularly from parents to overcome the menace among the youth which also leads to other social evils and crimes. He said parents have an important role to keep the youngsters away from the use of drugs and also the family support for the affected people could lead them towards normal life.
The DC further said that the objectives of setting up of ATFs include drug preventive education, awareness generation, capacity building, skill development, vocational training, and livelihood support for victims of drug abuse.
After inauguration, the Deputy Commissioner inspected the Addiction Treatment Facility(ATF) and took stock of the facilities available. He also inspected the Department of Clinical Psychology and Tele-MANAS centre providing free tele-mental health services to those in need.
Pertinent to mention that Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, Dr. Virendra Kumar, today virtually inaugurated as many as 41 addiction treatment facilities (ATFs) across the country including an ATF at IMHAANS, Srinagar.