‘Collaborative efforts must by stakeholders to tackle drug abuse ’

Srinagar, Aug 28: As a part of mass awareness programme and collaboration between different stake holders, a multidisciplinary seminar on Drug Addiction was organised by the Addiction Treatment Facility (ATF), Department of Psychiatry SKIMS Medical College Bemina here today.

The theme of the seminar was “Scenario, Sequelae and Solutions” keeping in view rising prevalence of drug addiction across world and especially in Jammu and Kashmir.

Dr Irfan Robbani, Principal SKIMS Medical College, welcomed all the guest and audience for being part of the event. The inaugural ceremony was presided over by chief guest. Sunil Gupta, IPS, Inspector General of Police (Crime) with Khurshid Ahmad Ganai, former Advisor to Governor of Jammu and Kashmir. While Dr Seema Naz, Principal, Institute of Education and Dr Mohammad Ashraf Ganie, Director SKIMS were guests of honour.

Prof Abdul Majid, HOD Psychiatry in his introductory remarks made a presentation regarding magnitude of drug abuse in community and changing pattern of types of substances used over last few decades. He also emphasised role prevention, treatment and rehabilitation as the main stay of successful management of this challenging problem.

In his address, the Sunil Gupta emphasised on collaborative efforts by all stakeholders to tackle the menace by cooperating with law enforcement agencies and role of parents in nurturing their children in a harmonious environment. Khurshid Ahmad Ganai highlighted the role of coordination between different stakeholders like Health, Education, Law enforcement, Civil Society, youth service and sports, drug controlling agencies, religious scholars and every individual of our society. Ganai also emphasised on ethical and cultural values to given importance in day to day life.

Dr Seema Naz, Principal, Institute of Education, shared worrisome observations of females turning towards addictive substances in a place which is historically known for its cultural and religious values. Dr Mohd Ashraf Ganie, Director SKIMS & EOSG, emphasised on research projects and surveys to be taken up for a meticulous understanding of neurobiological and psychosocial factors associated with rising cases of drug abuse.

Khaliq U Zaman Bhat, retired Judge shared the significant contribution made by judiciary in trying to addresss the issue and urged that fast-track courts for early disposal of cases. Tahir Magray, JKAS, Revenue Attorney, in Divisional Commissioners Officer highlighted the need for stringent measures for handling the drug peddlers and stressed on moral values and spiritual practices be made part of day today life.

Mohammad Shafi, SP Crime gave detailed account of cases the crime branch has successfully resolved and also shared challenges the department is facing while trying to curb the menace. Mir Musharraff, a MBBS student from SKIMS also presented the youth perspective of the problem. Other dignitaries present were Dr Shariq Masoodi, Dean SKIMS, Dr. Mohammad Maqbool, HOD Psychiatry, Govt Medical Medical College Srinagar (IMHANS-K), Dr Faiz Fazili, Faculty of SKIMS Medical College in addition to Scholars and students from Department of Social Work &Psychology (Kashmir University), Medical Students and Nursing students from Islamic University of Science & Technology. Dr. Nizam ud Din, assistant Professor of Psychiatry delivered the vote of thanks.