Int’l Day against Drug Abuse, Illicit Trafficking held in Kargil
Kargil, June 26: Reiterating his commitment to serve the people of Kargil during his tenure as Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor of Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council Kargil, Dr Mohd Jaffer Akhoon on Wednesday announced that the Hill Council was planning several initiatives across diverse sectors soon, especially in healthcare.
Akhoon was speaking after he, along with Deputy Commissioner Kargil, Shrikant Balasaheb Suse inaugurated a free eye camp and eye surgical procedure themed ‘Let’s See Again’ at Old Hospital Kargil.
On the occasion, the CEC expressed his gratitude to Alreza and ASG Hospital Srinagar for organizing the camp.
He emphasized his commitment to serve the people during his tenure and urged doctors to be punctual in their duties.
He mentioned that the Hill Council was planning several initiatives soon and expressed hope for renewed vision for the eye patients.
Dr Jaffer highlighted the need to address drug addiction and requested religious scholars to promote de-addiction during their sermons.
Deputy Commissioner Kargil, Shrikant Balasaheb Suse extended his thanks and best wishes to the camp organizers, praising Alreza Health Care for their role in past health initiatives, including COVID-19 control efforts.
He stressed the importance of the camp, noting the relief it brings to patients and doctors alike when eyesight is restored. He also mentioned the upcoming de-addiction center, requesting support for its successful operation.
Chief Medical Officer, Kargil, Dr. Liyaqat Ali Khan, lauded the eye camp as fruitful and appreciated the efforts of Alreza and other organizations in supporting such causes. He assured the department’s full support for such initiatives.
President Al Reza, Dr. Mohd Abass, briefed attendees on the achievements and goals of Al Reza, highlighting their numerous camps organized for the benefit of society with medical and health assistance.
The event was attended by Chief Medical Officer, Kargil; Medical Superintendent, District Hospital, Kargil; Incharge Old Hospital, Kargil; President JUIAK; President Alreza Health Care; ASG Hospital doctors, consultants, staff, volunteers of Alreza, and others.
Following the inauguration, CEC and DC Kargil inspected the de-addiction center and mental health section at Old Hospital Kargil.
Instructions were given for the recreation of addicted patients. The CEC instructed for the engagement of a spiritual Islamic counselor and an exposure tour for the consultant doctor to reputed de-addiction centers.
DC Kargil instructed that the de-addiction center should be functional within 15 days.
The CEC also emphasised not to compromise on the quality of medicine when purchasing life-saving drugs and antibiotics, and to advertise in Urdu for future audio jingles as well.
Meanwhile, the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking or World Drug Day under the banner of Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan with the theme “The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention,” was organized by the Social and Tribal Welfare Department in collaboration with District Administration Kargil.
The program began in the form of a rally by students from GGHSS and GHSS Boys Kargil, starting at Fatima Chowk and concluding at Auditorium Hall Kargil.
Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor, LAHDC, Kargil, Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon was the chief guest.
Deputy Commissioner and CEO, LAHDC, Kargil, Shrikant Suse; Assistant Director Social and Tribal Welfare Department, Tashi Dolma; Assistant Director Tourism, Rahmatullah Butt; ASP Kargil Mujeeb ur Rahman Butt; Account Officer of Social and Tribal Welfare, Mohd Hussain; Sub Inspector, Padma Thienlis; Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Liyaqat Ali, and other district officers were present on the occasion.
CEC Kargil expressed gratitude to the Social and Tribal Welfare Department for organizing such a fruitful program. As a doctor with past experiences in the medical field, he emphasized the severe consequences of drug abuse and addressed new challenges related to various types of drug addiction in society.
The CEC appreciated Director Tashi Dolma for her serious approach to these issues and requested her to arrange training sessions at Bangalore De-Addiction Center so that similar initiatives could be implemented in Ladakh. He also urged Superintendent Mujeeb ur Rahman Butt to enhance efforts to combat drug transportation and increase patrolling in sensitive areas.
DC Shrikant Suse welcomed all esteemed guests and thanked CEC Kargil for accepting the invitation. He emphasized that drug abuse and addiction are sensitive issues, and rallies and awareness campaigns should not be occasional but continuous efforts until the UT is drug free. He stressed the need for a multipronged approach to tackle drug abuse.
DC Kargil highlighted the formation of district-level NCORD committee chaired by him, which holds monthly or bi-monthly meetings with district officials to address new challenges related to drug abuse in the district.
He warned that anti-social elements involved in drug-related crimes would face consequences and called upon parents, civil society, and religious organizations to take responsibility in tackling the drug menace.
Dr. Murtaza Ali, a psychiatrist, gave a detailed presentation on different types of drugs, factors influencing drug addiction, nicotine and tobacco substances, their carcinogenic effects, and ways to quit such addictions.
Sub Inspector Padma from Ladakh Police spoke on drug abuse, legal provisions like NDPS Act 1985 and COTPA Act 2003, and highlighted cases related to drug abuse and their consequences.
Director Tashi Dolma highlighted various initiatives undertaken by the Social and Tribal Welfare Department, including joint action plans with the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment on prevention of drug abuse, joint research with Ladakh University on substance use in Ladakh, and formation of Yato Clubs in schools as support networks.
They also conducted sensitization workshops for Anganwadi and ASHA workers and established special narco units in both districts of Ladakh.
During the session, prizes were distributed by CEC and DC to students for their exceptional paintings related to drug abuse, encouraging their creativity. The program concluded with all participants taking a pledge against drug abuse.
