To review steps taken to curb the drug abuse and take stock of Tuberculosis elimination programme in the district, a meeting was held today under the chairmanship of Member Parliament (MP) Hasnain Masoodi in the Office Chamber of Deputy Commissioner Shopian, here.
At the outset, threadbare discussions were held on various issues related to menace of drug addiction, areas of concern, hot spots of drug peddling/abuse, besides, measures taken to break the chain of drug peddling and its consumption in the district to save youth from the ill effects of the drugs.
On the occasion, MP stressed the Officers including Enforcement agencies to ensure better coordination in enforcing greater deterrence to combat dangerous trade of drug-trafficking.
He said that efforts with cooperation, coordination and collaboration are vital to contain the drug peddling and break the supply chain, besides taking stringent action against the culprits involved in the hazardous trade of drugs.
MP said that in order to combat this rising societal problem, multi-pronged rehabilitation, counseling and guidance policy is indispensable to be implemented on ground to monitor drug abuse and take remedial measures to curb the menace.
Healso emphasised on conducting awareness campaigns on mass scale against drug menace to sensitize the youth about hazards and ill effects of consuming drugs. The MP announced Rs.10 lakh out of his MP Fund for the construction of a Drug Rehabilitation Centre in the district.
He said it is the collective responsibility of all the sections of society to join this fight with determined efforts and proactive approach to bring the youth of Shopian out of the darkness of drug addiction.
Speaking during the meeting, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Shopian, Sachin Kumar Vaishya said that the drug menace is a major threat to the socio-economic structure and it has become imperative for the entire society to come together to uproot this menace and work towards making Shopian a drug free district.
Directions were issued for ensuring proper checking and monitoring of Medical Shops. Later, the MP visited District Hospital Shopian, inspected the Addiction Treatment Facility and took stock of the health care facilities being provided to the patients there.
He directed the health functionaries for providing better healthcare facilities to the patients. He also laid stress on strengthening the Addiction Treatment Facility. Joint Director Planning Khursheed Ahmed Khatana, Chief Medical Officer Shopian, District Social Welfare Officer, Doctors and other concerned were present.