Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan gains momentum in Valley
Suhail Bhat
Srinagar, Aug 10: The six Addiction Treatment Facilities (ATFs) that are coming up in collaboration with National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre (NDDTC), AIIMS New Delhi in district hospitals across the Valley are expected to get functional within a week.
The establishment of these treatment facilities is a part of the Central Government’s Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA) campaign launched to curb the menace of drug abuse in the country. Under the scheme, the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE), the National Drug Dependence Treatment Center AIIMS New Delhi started the process of setting up ATFs in 105 districts of India. In J&K the Ministry has allocated 10-centers including six centers in the Valley.
The addiction centers are coming up in six district hospitals including Badgam, Anantnag, Pulwama, Kulgam, Bandipora and Shopian. These hospitals were identified on the basis of findings from the comprehensive national survey conducted by the Government with the help of the Narcotics Control Bureau.
The process of setting up these centers began in 2020 but faced delays due to Covid 19 pandemic. “Out of 120 centers only 20 including our six are being made functional across the country. Infrastructure is ready and manpower has also been appointed. We are opening it in next few days and all the centers will be inaugurated properly,” Director Health Services, Mushtaq Ahmad Rather told Excelsior.
He added with the establishment of these centers the substance use disorder patients, who used to travel to Srinagar for treatment would get treatment in their respective districts. “This will revolutionize the treatment by filling in the gaps,” he said, adding that all the doctors, nurses, and councilors have been appointed.
The facilities are being set up in the district hospitals, wherein associated doctors and nurses would be available round the clock. “If a patient has any other health care requirement, it would be available there,” he said, adding that the department is also providing mental health training to the doctors to strengthen the district mental health program.
Drug addiction in the Valley is emerging as a major challenge for the government especially among the younger generation has reached an alarming level.
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