Sopore, Feb 16 (KNS): Deputy Commissioner Baramulla, Minga Sherpa, on Monday inaugurated a Drug Detection and De-addiction Centre in Sopore, stating that the facility fills a long-standing gap in addiction treatment services in the subdivision.

Speaking on the occasion, as per news agency Kashmir News Service-KNS, the DC said the centre constructed by the Rural Development Department in record time had already been sanctioned for the district but was missing in Sopore till now. He noted that while addiction treatment facilities exist at GMC Baramulla and another at GMC Kupwara, residents of Sopore had to travel outside the subdivision for treatment and inpatient care.

“With the inauguration of this centre, people from Sopore and surrounding areas will be able to access treatment and rehabilitation locally,” Sherpa said, adding that recovery and rehabilitation are integral parts of tackling drug abuse.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

He informed that the centre has begun with basic infrastructure and a six-bed inpatient facility, with two staff members already posted. A detailed proposal has been sent to the Government of India for strengthening the centre with counsellors, a caretaker, a watchman and additional medical staff. “In the coming days, around 8–9 more personnel will be deployed to ensure treatment as per laid-down procedures,” he said.

The DC further stated that the Health and Medical Education Department, along with the Social Welfare Department, will gradually add more facilities so that comprehensive de-addiction, counselling and rehabilitation services are made available to the people of Sopore and adjoining areas.(KNS)