Srinagar October 28 (KNS): Dr.Hina Shafi Bhat, Vice Chairperson J&K KVIB today visited Drug De-addiction Centre at Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (IMHNS), GMC Srinagar and took stock of facilities available at the Institute. Among others, she was accompanied by Dr. Yasir Rather, I/C Drug De-addiction Centre and other faculty and staff members of the Institute. She took round of OPD, IPD, Psychiatry wards of IMHNS Srinagar and interacted with patients.
During the visit, Dr. Yasir Ahmad, I/C Drug De-addiction Centre apprised Dr. Hina Shafi Bhat about the facilities available at the Centre and its working. He brought into the notice of Dr. Hina Shafi Bhat that Centre faces severe shortage of Paramedical and auxiliary staff which must be deployed for efficient working of the Centre. He also highlighted the need of proper infrastructure viz. building for IPD ward etc. so that various mental health issues viz. depression, anxiety and drug addiction are fought in an effective manner.
Dr. Hina Shafi Bhat was informed that as per the survey carried out by AIIMS, nearly six lac people in Kashmir are effected by drug addiction and under such scenario, all-out efforts at multiple levels are required to tackleit.
Dr. Hina Shafi Bhat stated that government is aware of the graveness of the issue and has taken a lot of steps to upgrade the infrastructure under health & social welfare sector in UT of J&K. She further assured that issues raised shall be taken up at appropriate forums for redressal.(KNS)