Seminar on ‘Effects of Drug Abuse & Addiction’
JAMMU, MARCH 15: 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.
