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| Implementation of Drug de-addiction policy still a distant dream in J&K | | | ISHTIYAQ AHMAD
EARLY TIMES REPORT
SRINAGAR, June 26: Jammu and Kashmir government has failed to implement the much-hyped drug de-addiction policy in the new Union Territory.
International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is observed on June 26 every year. The theme for the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2020, was ‘Better Knowledge for Better Care’ and emphasized the need to improve the understanding of the world drug problem.
However, first ever drug de-addiction policy framed two years before by the Institute of Mental Health and Neuro-Sciences (IMHANS) of the Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar in collaboration with the department of Psychiatry, SKIMS, and the J&K State AIDS Control Society is yet to be implemented on the ground.
“Nothing has been done for its implementation. Authorities are not bothered to implement the policy which could have become the stepping stone to curb the drug abuse,” an official said.
In March last year, the government also framed drug de-addiction centre monitoring committees. The committees were tasked to "suggest changes in the policy from time to time as may be deemed necessary; try to look for financial support for various de-addiction activities in J&K". The policy provides a framework for interventions for reducing the prevalence of substance abuse.
The sanction to the policy was seen as a first step for its effective implementation in the long journey towards freeing J&K from a vicious cycle of drugs.
As per the policy, substance abuse should be treated as a health issue rather than a criminal offence.
It calls for treatment of abuse in the geographical premises of a healthcare institute rather than a separate set-up, so that the message is put across boldly that drug-addiction is one of the problems that are provided treatment in healthcare ambit just like other diseases. |
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