Himachal gets first women de-addiction centre, second facility planned at Tanda

Shimla: Chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Monday inaugurated Himachal Pradesh's first govt-run women de-addiction and rehabilitation centre, ‘Nav Jeevan', at Mashobra near Shimla.Sukhu said addiction among women has far-reaching consequences, affecting families, children and future generations, making effective treatment and rehabilitation essential. Describing drug abuse as a serious social and humanitarian challenge, he said the state govt was tackling the problem through public awareness campaigns and strict action against drug traffickers. Speaking at the inauguration, Sukhu said the facility is the first specialised govt centre in the state dedicated to women struggling with substance abuse. Besides treatment, the centre will provide safe accommodation, medical care, psychological counselling, rehabilitation services, social reintegration support and family assistance to help women rebuild their lives with dignity. Sukhu also announced that a second govt-run de-addiction and rehabilitation centre would be established at Dr Rajendra Prasad Govt Medical College, Tanda, in Kangra district. Emphasising a compassionate approach towards victims of addiction, Sukhu said young people and women trapped in substance abuse should not be viewed as criminals. However, he asserted that drug traffickers were enemies of society and would face stringent action. The CM highlighted that the anti-chitta public movement launched from Shimla on Nov 15 last year has evolved into a mass campaign involving youth, panchayat representatives, teachers, voluntary organisations and citizens. He urged people to actively participate in eliminating the menace of drugs. Box:CM flags off four ambulances Chief minister on Monday also flagged off four ambulances from Oak Over in Shimla to strengthen emergency healthcare services in the Hamirpur region. The ambulances, provided under the corporate social responsibility initiative of HDFC Bank, have been deployed in Sujanpur, Bhoranj, Nadaun and Dehra. Expressing gratitude to the bank for its contribution, Sukhu said the ambulances would help provide timely medical assistance to people and enhance healthcare services in the respective areas. Health and family welfare minister Colonel Dhani Ram Shandil (retd), along with other officials and dignitaries, was present on the occasion.MSID:: 131585946 413 |