Minister Nemcha calls for public support to address drug use issue

Imphal: Social welfare minister Nemcha Kipgen has called for public support to address the issue of drug use especially by the street drug users, during the observation of “International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking” held under the theme “Better Knowledge for Better Care” at her office chamber here on Friday.

Nemcha emphasized on the need to improve the understanding of the problems associated with drug use. Better understanding will foster greater cooperation for making the state safer from drugs, organised crime and illegal activities. She appealed all to inform the nearest police station or the social welfare department through mobile no. 7005018755 if they come across any street based drug users.

Considering the vulnerability during this Covid-19 crisis, the mnister informed that the department in coordination with Integrated Rehabilitation Centres for Addicts (IRCAs) is taking up various programmes targeting the street based drug users. The programme will be implemented through the 22 IRCAs by reserving separate seats i.e. 3 seats for 15 bedded and 5 seats for 30 bedded respectively.

To curb the drug menace in the state, Nemcha informed that the state government is presently focusing on the finalisation of the State Drug Policy. The draft policy will be made available in the public domain for views and ideas after due approval from the state Cabinet. The draft policy has been drafted after several rounds of workshops, consultations, meetings with various NGOs, civil organisations, other line departments and stakeholders, she added.