Budgam, July 15 (JKNS): The Budgam Chemists and Distributors Association (BCDA), an affiliated district unit of the Jammu and Kashmir Chemists and Distributors Association (JKCDA), organised a special awareness programme under the ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan’ at Town Hall Budgam.The event also featured a certificate distribution ceremony to honour the newly elected office bearers following the district elections.
The programme aimed to promote a drug-free society, encourage responsible pharmaceutical practices, and raise public awareness about protecting the younger generation from the harmful effects of drug abuse.
The event was attended by members of the pharmaceutical fraternity, representatives of Chemists and Distributors Associations from various districts, officials of the Drug Control Department, and other distinguished guests. During the ceremony, the newly elected office bearers were felicitated, with Shoukat Salam formally assuming charge as President and Ghulam Qadir Bhat as General Secretary. Certificates were presented to all elected members in recognition of their new responsibilities.
The awareness programme was presided over by Rajesh Kumar, Drug Controller, Jammu and Kashmir, in the presence of Tasaduq Hussain, Deputy Drug Controller Budgam, the Drug Control Officer Budgam, and other officials of the Drug Control Department.
Addressing the gathering, Rajesh Kumar said that the 100-day ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan’, launched on April 11 under the directions of the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor, aims to curb the growing menace of drug trafficking and substance abuse while safeguarding the youth from addiction. He stressed that the fight against drugs cannot be won by government agencies alone and requires the active participation of parents, teachers, educational institutions, doctors, pharmacists, social organisations, and the community at large.
He informed the audience that during the campaign, the Drug Control Department carried out extensive inspections of medical stores and pharmacies across Jammu and Kashmir, directing chemists to strictly follow legal norms for the sale of medicines. He emphasised that prescription drugs must never be sold without a valid prescription, every medicine should be issued with a proper bill, and the practice of self-medication must be discouraged to ensure transparency and strengthen public trust in the healthcare system.
Rajesh Kumar highlighted the vital role of chemists and pharmaceutical distributors in preventing the misuse of medicines and narcotic substances. He appreciated the Budgam pharmaceutical fraternity for its active support of the campaign and expressed special gratitude to the Budgam Chemists and Distributors Association for its continued cooperation, expressing confidence that this partnership would continue in the future.
The programme was also attended by Fayaz Azad, Vice President of JKCDA Kashmir Province, along with Presidents and delegates of Chemists and Distributors Associations from Kupwara, Bandipora, Baramulla, Pulwama, and Srinagar, reflecting the unity of the pharmaceutical community and its commitment to the objectives of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by General Secretary Ghulam Qadir Bhat, who expressed gratitude to Drug Controller Rajesh Kumar, officials of the Drug Control Department, representatives of JKCDA, delegates from various districts, members of the pharmaceutical fraternity, and all participants for making the programme a success.
He reaffirmed that the Budgam Chemists and Distributors Association will continue to work closely with the government and relevant stakeholders to promote ethical pharmaceutical practices, spread awareness against drug abuse, and contribute towards the successful implementation of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan. (JKNS)
