Srinagar: In a step towards tackling the growing challenge of drug abuse, the Advanced Centre for Mental Health & Addiction Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, SKIMS Medical College, in collaboration with the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and Group of Concerned Citizens (GCC), organised an awareness programme at the SKIMS Medical College Auditorium on Thursday.
The event featured a poster competition and expert presentations addressing the multifaceted impact of drug abuse and trafficking on individuals and society.
Minister for Agriculture & Rural Development, Javid Ahmad Dar, delivered a compelling address, underlining the severe consequences of substance abuse, particularly on mental health. He stated that the government has made budgetary provisions for setting up Drug De-Addiction Centres and is initiating structural reforms to address this pressing social issue.
Stressing the role of technology and weakening social bonds in exacerbating the problem, he appealed to the youth to remain resilient and focused amidst life’s challenges.
Professor M Ashraf Ganie, Director SKIMS and EOSG, emphasised the need for a composite and multipronged strategy involving civil society, law enforcement, activists, healthcare professionals, and researchers.
He said that SKIMS is committed to launching comprehensive services at upcoming Drug De-Addiction Centres in collaboration with SKIMS Medical College. Professor Ganie also stressed upon the importance of Employment Development Programs and Student Empowerment Initiatives as preventive tools.
He commended Professor Fazal Q Parray, Principal SKIMS Medical College, for his visionary leadership and underscored the value of institutional synergy and coordinated efforts to bring about positive societal change.
The event was attended by several dignitaries including DIG Police Imtiyaz Hussain Mir, Former Advisor to Government Khurshid Ganie, renowned psychiatrist Professor Maqbool Margoob, Dr Faiz Ahmad Fazili, and other members of civil society.
DIG Civil Defence Imtiyaz Hussain Mir reiterated the police department’s active and ongoing role in curbing drug trafficking and pledged continued support for awareness and rehabilitation efforts.
Khurshid Ganie, in his address, stressed upon the vital role of schools and political will in addressing the drug crisis. Citing alarming statistics, he emphasised the urgency for collective and coordinated action.
He strongly endorsed Professor Ganie’s strategy and praised his transformative leadership in steering SKIMS towards a new direction. He also lauded Principal Professor Fazal Q Parray for his unwavering dedication to institutional growth.
Dr Faiz Ahmad Fazili informed Free Press Kashmir that the Kashmir valley is facing a serious drug problem, with around 1.35 million people using drugs and most of them addicted to heroin.
Even though the government has taken steps to control the issue, the number of users has gone up sharply in the last few years, Dr Fazili shared.
Families are spending huge amounts of money, almost Rs88,000 every month, on treatment and drugs, which is pushing many into poverty. Police have arrested drug peddlers and seized large amounts of heroin, but smugglers still bring drugs into Kashmir through old routes, and the situation keeps getting worse.There are also big gaps in the treatment system. Only two public rehab centers are available for over 67,000 heroin users, and most other centers don’t have proper facilities, Dr Fazili shared.
Dr Fazili added that many addicts start using drugs as early as 13 years old, and a growing number of women are also getting addicted, but there are no women-only rehab centers.
