Srinagar, June 26 (KNS): To mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, a significant awareness and interactive event was held today at SKIMS MCH Bemina, Srinagar, under the aegis of the newly established Advanced Centre for Mental Health and Addiction Medicine with support Addiction Treatment Facility under Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment Govt of India and in collaboration with Narcotics Control Bureau and Group on Concerned Citizens (GCC). The programme was organised in collaboration with key stakeholders, including experts from the Department of Psychiatry, JK Police, Narcotics Control Bureau, Education Department, Drug Control Department, and other departments.
The event began with a warm welcome address by Prof. Abdul Majid, Head of the Department of Psychiatry and Organising Chairman of the event. In his remarks, he highlighted the collective responsibility required to address the growing issue of substance use with special focus on improving access to care, controlling supply chain, awareness and advocacy, Breaking the chains of stigma and shame, Collaboration of concerned stake holders, role of meditation and healthy life styles for preventing youth resorting to drug addiction.
Dr. Nizam-ud-din Dar, Organising Secretary of the event, provided a detailed overview of the addiction services currently operational at SKIMS MCH and the Prison Hospital. He reviewed the progress made so far, acknowledged existing challenges, and underscored the need for further strengthening of de-addiction and rehabilitation services at both facilities.
The event started with the deliberation on the theme of today’s program — “Breaking the Chains: Prevention, Treatment and Recovery for All” — which was graced by eminent speakers and delegates from all walks of life. Mr. Javid Ahmad Dar, Hon’ble Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, Cooperative, and Elections, addressed the persistent stigma surrounding substance use. He strongly advocated for recognising addiction as a medical disorder and urged society to offer compassionate care, dignity, and reintegration to affected individuals instead of discrimination. Mr. Khursheed Ahmad Ganai, IAS, the Guest of honour, shed light on the alarming rise in substance use in the region. Using current data and trends, he emphasised the need for multisectoral collaboration and urgent policy-level interventions to combat the issue. Dr. Mohd Ashraf Ganaie, Director of SKIMS, called attention to the genetic and biological underpinnings of substance use disorders. He emphasised the need for a deeper scientific understanding of addiction and supported a shift in perception from behavioural blame to neurobiological insight.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelMr. Imtiyaz Hussain Mir, JKPS, DIG Civil Defence Srinagar, spoke about the importance of demand reduction alongside the police’s vital role in supply control. He advocated for addressing the root causes of substance use, particularly among youth, and building resilience against failure and rejection. Dr. Fazl Qadir Parray, Principal SKIMS Medical College and Hospital, stressed the need for evidence-based treatment approaches in alignment with this year’s international theme. He highlighted the importance of coordinated efforts, research, and a patient-centred care model for sustainable recovery.
In addition to the expert talks, undergraduate students presented posters on themes related to substance use. The activity was aimed at promoting awareness and encouraging creative academic engagement with the topic. The top three posters were selected by a jury panel, and the winning students were felicitated during the event in recognition of their efforts and contributions. The first prize was awarded to Ms. Syed Rimsha Andrabi, a final-year MBBS student. The second prize was secured by Ms. Sheikh Aiman Amin, a final-year MBBS student. The third prize went to Ms. Hibba Ishaq, a second-year MBBS student.
Following the inauguration and thematic segment, a panel discussion brought together experts from diverse backgrounds to deliberate on integrated strategies for tackling drug abuse in Jammu & Kashmir. The panellists included Dr. Mushtaq A. Margoob, Senior psychiatrist and internationally acclaimed mental health professional, Dr. Farooq A. Kaloo, Mr. Abhishek Sharma, Narcotics bureau, Srinagar, Dr. Fiaz Maqbool Fazili, Dr. Zubair Saleem, Dr. Ashfaq Ahmad Bhat, Professor and Head of Department, SPM, Shri Shabir Ahmad Pandit, Assistant Drug Controller, Kashmir.
The discussion focused on practical steps toward policy development, community outreach, interdepartmental coordination, and healthcare strengthening. A common consensus emerged on the need for collaborative frameworks to ensure the eradication of drug abuse from the Union Territory and the famous slogan of Prevention is better than Cure was seen to be mantra to eradicate this menace with importance of social values and indigenous religious practices as the strongest coping mechanism to be encouraged in our society.
The event concluded with a unified call to action: to view substance use disorders through a public health lens, enhance community awareness, and foster a society rooted in prevention, treatment, empathy, and reintegration.(KNS)