Three-pronged strategy devised against drug abuse

Our Correspondent

Hoshiarpur, July 2:

To eradicate the drug menace, under the Tandarust Punjab Mission, the district administration has devised a three-pronged strategy— seeking cooperation from the people in general, enforcement de-addiction and prevention.

The Health Department has been providing indoor facilities only to serious patients while most patients are getting treatment from Out-patient Opioid Assisted Treatment (OOAT) Clinics.

In 16 OOAT clinics established in the district 2,172 patients got registered in one year, starting from June 2018 till today to shun the drugs and are getting free treatment and medicines through these clinics.

The police have also been directed to maintain vigil, especially around slum areas to keep a check on the drug abuse.

The authorities have been asked to keep a check on addicts after 25 days of regular medication.

At Sub-Divisional level, SDMs shall ensure to implement the action plan at the village level through ‘Village Mission Teams and Nasha Nigran Committees’.

Anganwadi workers shall be added in the teams besides panchayat secretaries after imparting training to them. The medical officers, councillors, nurses and data entry operators have already been trained for the proper implementaion of action plan especially at OOAT Centres.

Record of drug-free areas

The Hoshiarpur Deputy Commissioner Isha Kalia has asked the departments concerned and teams to maintain the record of works done in drug-free villages and regions.

She said: “They shall keep a strict eye against any relapse besides enhancement of maximum number of villages to be drug-free, adding that the action plan was being furthered in line with DAPO and BUDDY programmes.”

“Locality-wise sports competitions and street plays shall be promoted in urban areas to wean away the youth from the drug abuse,” she added.

The Deputy Commissioner said: “The battle initiated by the state government will be implemented indecisive phase, and complete eradication of drug abuse is the top priority of the state government.”

Box for complaints

The DC informed that a box will be put up outside the District Administrative Complex where people can provide any information related to the sale of drug, peddlers and addicts. The name of the complainant should be kept as secret and prompt action be taken on the complaints received.

She told that the ofiicials, employees and people in general who put in their best in battle against drugs, would be suitably rewarded.