REASI, OCTOBER 30: District Magistrate Reasi Kumar Abhishek Friday chaired a meeting of the District Level Narcotics Coordination Committee (NCORD) to review measures undertaken to combat drug abuse and trafficking and assess the implementation of anti-narcotics initiatives in the district.
The District Magistrate, as per an official statement, reviewed action against pharmacies and medical establishments found violating prescribed norms. He directed strict adherence to mandatory computerised billing and installation of CCTV cameras at medical shops to ensure transparency and effective monitoring. He warned of strict action against establishments found violating the prescribed regulations. The Drug Inspector informed the meeting that regular inspections are being conducted across the district to monitor the sale and distribution of medicines.
The District Magistrate also reviewed the measures to keep check on illicit cultivation of poppy and cannabis. He directed the concerned departments to intensify surveillance and take necessary measures to prevent such activities. Emphasising the importance of awareness, he called for continuing Information, Education and Communication activities to highlight the harmful effects of drug abuse. He also stressed the need to strengthen anti-drug awareness programmes in schools and colleges and ensure effective implementation of the Drug-Free Campus initiative.
The Health Department informed the meeting that the Drug De-addiction Centre and Addiction Treatment Facility (ATF) at District Hospital Reasi have been initiated and the required medicines have been received. The department also apprised the meeting of the counselling services being provided to individuals affected by substance abuse.
The District Magistrate directed the Health Department to make provision of regular counselling services to strengthen the functioning of the de-addiction facility. He further called for giving wide publicity to the drug addiction helpline number to facilitate timely assistance to affected individuals and their families. He further stressed the need to operationalise the facility as an In-Patient Department (IPD) to provide comprehensive treatment and rehabilitation services.
The meeting also reviewed the process of cancellation of driving licences in cases involving drug-related offences. The availability and utilisation of drug testing kits was also discussed, with directions to ensure their effective use by the concerned agencies.
To plug every possible supply channel of narcotic substances, the District Magistrate called for formulating a Standard Operating Procedure for courier and parcel service providers to prevent their use for transportation of drugs.
Senior Superintendent of Police Mukund Tibrewal; Additional District Development Commissioner Krishan Lal; Additional Deputy Commissioner Sushil Kesar; Additional Superintendent of Police, Assistant Commissioner Development, Chief Medical Officer and other concerned officers were present in the meeting.
