Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Aug 21: The National Medical Commission (NMC) has directed all Medical Colleges across the country to implement the ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan’ and establish Tobacco Cessation Centers (TCCs), which are to be made operational soon.
In this regard, a communication has been issued to the principals of all Medical Colleges, instructing them to form Nasha Mukt Hostel Committees and create an annual schedule of activities under the Abhiyan.
The NMC noted that the Secretaries of the Department of Social Justice & Empowerment and the Department of Higher Education, Government of India, in a joint letter to the Chairman of NMC, urged the implementation of the Drug-Free India campaign in Medical Colleges.
“This initiative aims to combat the menace of substance abuse through mass awareness, counseling, treatment, and care in educational institutions, as well as the formation of a Nasha Mukt Hostel Committee in all colleges/institutions,” the NMC stated.
Medical Colleges have been instructed to undertake specific steps, including the formation of Nasha Mukt Hostel Committees, the creation of an annual schedule of activities under the Abhiyan, and the promotion of awareness among students, faculty, and other staff members.
Additionally, the colleges are required to submit a comprehensive report/action taken report to the Department of Social Justice & Empowerment, the Department of Higher Education, and the NMC.
The NMC mentioned that detailed guidelines regarding the composition of the committees, the roles and responsibilities of its members, as well as the list of activities under the Abhiyan, are included in the letter received from the Government.
“The structured approach for continuous support to students in hostels, and the requirements for the submission of comprehensive reports/action taken reports are provided in the letter.”
All Deans/Principals of Medical Colleges/Institutions have been asked to “take proactive steps to implement the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan in their respective medical colleges/institutions and submit the action taken report.”
Meanwhile, the NMC has also directed medical colleges to establish Tobacco Cessation Centers (TCCs) in accordance with the operational guidelines launched on World No Tobacco Day this year.
“The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, in collaboration with the National Medical Commission, is initiating the establishment of Tobacco Cessation Centers (TCCs) in all medical colleges across India,” the NMC announced.