Budgam, October 6: The Chemists and Distributors Association Chadoora, in collaboration with the Chemists and Distributors Association Budgam, organised an anti-drug awareness-cum-education programme under the “Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan” at Town Hall Chadoora.
The programme aimed to create awareness among the public about the growing menace of drug abuse, protect the younger generation from its harmful effects and promote coordinated efforts among government departments, chemists, parents and civil society to combat drug abuse.
The programme was attended by Assistant Drug Controller Headquarters Kashmir Dr Zaffar Ahmad, Additional Drug Controller Sanjeev Kumar Gupta, Assistant Controller Drugs Budgam Nazir Ahmad, besides Drug Inspectors Imtiyaz Shalla and Tasaduk Hussain.
Vice President of the Jammu and Kashmir Chemists and Druggists Association (JKCDA) Fayaz Azad and District President Budgam Showkat Ahmad Bagdadi were also present on the occasion.
Speaking to the media, Dr Zaffar Ahmad said the participation of government officials in the programme was aimed at effectively taking the guidance, directions and objectives of the “Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan” to the community level.
He said such programmes help sensitise stakeholders about drug-related regulations, guidelines and legal requirements, thereby strengthening collective efforts against drug abuse.
Assistant Controller Drugs Budgam Nazir Ahmad said the main objective of the programme was to create awareness among the public about the harmful effects of drugs and protect children and youngsters from the serious consequences of drug addiction.
He said drug addiction is a serious social issue that affects an individual’s physical and mental health, education, family life and social relationships.
Nazir Ahmad said the initiative is also part of the 100-day programme launched by the Lieutenant Governor, aimed at further strengthening the ongoing efforts against drug abuse. He said the impact of drug addiction is not confined to an individual but affects the entire family and society.
He said similar awareness programmes would continue to be organised in Budgam and other areas. The Drug Control Department, he added, would extend cooperation to local programmes wherever it is invited. He also stressed the need to involve religious scholars, Imams, parents, youngsters and civil society in the anti-drug campaign.
During the programme, speakers highlighted the physical, psychological, educational, social and familial consequences of drug abuse. They said government departments, chemists, distributors, parents, youngsters, religious leaders and the general public all have an important role to play in preventing drug abuse.
An awareness banner carrying the message “Say Yes to Life & No to Drugs” was also displayed in Chadoora. The organisers urged parents and youngsters to remain vigilant against drug abuse and contribute towards making Sub-District Chadoora drug-free.
The speakers also appealed to parents to maintain a friendly and open communication environment with their children, remain attentive to unusual changes in their behaviour and identify early signs of possible drug abuse in a timely manner.
Drug Inspectors Imtiyaz Shalla and Tasaduq Hussain also participated in the programme and highlighted the importance of responsible use of medicines, compliance with relevant laws and regulations, and public awareness. They stressed that regulatory requirements must be strictly followed to prevent the misuse of medicines and controlled substances.
JKCDA Vice President Fayaz Azad urged chemists and drug distributors to extend full cooperation to the concerned authorities in preventing drug abuse. He said those associated with the pharmaceutical sector have an important responsibility in ensuring the responsible supply of medicines and contributing to public welfare.
District President Budgam Showkat Ahmad Baghadee thanked all government officials, Drug Control Department authorities, JKCDA representatives, chemists, distributors and other participants for attending the programme. He said the association would continue to extend full support to government and community-level efforts against drug abuse.
At the conclusion of the programme, parents, youngsters, chemists, community members and other stakeholders were urged to remain united in the fight against drug abuse and extend their full cooperation towards making the “Nasha Mukt Bharat” mission successful.