Srinagar, June 7 (KNS): Prof. Abdul Majid, Head of the Department of Psychiatry at SKIMS Medical College Bemina, met Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and discussed measures to address substance abuse and mental health challenges in Jammu and Kashmir.
During the meeting, Majid appreciated the ongoing 100-day Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan campaign and said there has been an increase in the number of individuals seeking treatment at addiction treatment facilities across the Union Territory.
He stressed the need for awareness programmes among children and adolescents on healthy coping mechanisms, promotion of extracurricular activities and early screening of high-risk groups for substance abuse.
The psychiatrist also called for a coordinated drug-control strategy involving all stakeholders, strict monitoring of de-addiction centres and tighter regulation of the sale and consumption of Buprenorphine and other Schedule-X drugs.
Majid raised concerns over difficulties faced by psychiatric patients in obtaining psychotropic medicines despite possessing valid prescriptions and urged the administration to ensure uninterrupted access to essential medications.
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He advocated strict action against drug peddlers while calling for a compassionate approach towards individuals battling addiction to encourage them to seek treatment and rehabilitation.
The psychiatrist also highlighted the awareness, treatment, rehabilitation, academic and research initiatives being undertaken by the Department of Psychiatry at SKIMS Medical College in collaboration with various institutions and organisations.
He informed the Lieutenant Governor about the department's academic achievements, including the introduction of the Fellowship of National Board (FNB) programme in Addiction Psychiatry, the first such programme in Jammu and Kashmir.
The meeting concluded with discussions on strengthening efforts to tackle substance abuse and improve mental healthcare services in the region.(KNS).