JAMMU, MARCH 15 (KNO) : Minister of State for Social Welfare, Health and Medical Education, Aisea Naqash today called for launching sustained awareness campaign to educate parents about the signs and symptoms of drug abuse and need for acting quickly on seeing warning signs in their wards.
The Minister was addressing students and participants after inaugurating one day seminar on 'Effects of Drug Abuse and Addiction', organized by J&K National Social Development Organisation (JKNSDO) in collaboration with department of Urdu, University of Jammu. Psychiatrist Specialist, Dr. Manu Arora, Cardio Vascular Surgeon, Dr. Gurjeet Singh, Physiotherapist, Dr. Nausheen, Dr. Shabana from University Health Centre, HOD Urdu Department, Prof. Shohab Malik and state president of NGO, Azeem Ali Shah besides various faculty members and students were present on the occasion.
“This is not a regional issue but a general problem which needs to be discussed at every forum. The campaign against the drug abuse shall include widespread dissemination of awareness to educate larger segment of society,” she said. “Besides stringent laws against perpetrators, there is need for thorough pondering upon the circumstance in which the youth get involved in drug abuse” she said. She also urged parents and teachers to start lesson plans and educative activities to imbibe values among the children which will ensure that they do not fall prey to drug abuse. “For it being a common concern, the people should take it as a social challenge and put in their maximum efforts to erode its roots from the society,
“she asserted. Meanwhile the Minster reiterated that the government is committed to make J&K a drug free state and for these sustained steps are being taken at different levels. In his address, Dr. Manu Arora cautioned about the growing chain of drug dealers who are playing with the lives of youngsters. The drug business involves huge money even as it casts devastating effect on the youngsters of the nation, particularly the youth, he said. “Drug menace is not confined to urban areas, as for long rural youth are also falling in this trap,” he said. President JKNSDO, in his address, said that in view of rising drug abuse in the state, the people need to educate the young generation and extend full help for the rehabilitation of drug addicts.(KNO)