Drug menace has spread to a large extent in J&K; collective effort vital to curb it, says Health Minister Sakina Itoo
Srinagar, Oct 14 : Minister for Education, Social Welfare, Health and Medical Education, Sakina Itoo, on Tuesday said that the menace of drug abuse has deeply penetrated across Jammu and Kashmir, urging people from all walks of life to join hands and play an active role in eliminating it.
Speaking to reporters after flagging off the 5 km “Red Run Marathon” organized by the J&K AIDS Control Society in collaboration with Kashmir University, the minister as per news agency Kashmir Indepth News Service (KINS) said that while the government and the health department are taking all necessary measures, community participation is equally vital to combat both drug abuse.
“The menace of drugs has spread very much in Jammu and Kashmir. We are taking all possible steps to stop it, but it is also the role of every citizen to cooperate in this mission,” Sakina Itoo said. “The Health Department is working actively in this regard through awareness, treatment, and community-based interventions.”
Referring to the government’s efforts to strengthen healthcare outreach, the minister said that new ambulances had been received under the AIDS control program to reach far-flung areas for early identification and support of HIV-positive individuals.
“The government has received ambulances under the AIDS program so that these vehicles can go to remote areas to identify people who may be affected. Those who are suffering should come forward so that timely steps can be taken for their care and treatment,” she said.
Highlighting the importance of awareness campaigns, Sakina Itoo said that programs like the Red Run Marathon serve as powerful platforms to engage youth and communities.
“This event, organized jointly by Kashmir University and the Health Department, is a commendable step. The danger of drugs has spread widely, and these young students can become ambassadors of awareness. The AIDS Control Department has taken a great initiative, and more such programs should be conducted across the Union Territory,” she added.
The minister also emphasized that the government remains committed to fighting the twin challenges of drug addiction and HIV/AIDS through preventive healthcare, counseling services, and public education drives.
“Together, we can protect our future generations from these social and health evils,” Sakina Itoo said, urging collective responsibility from families, educational institutions, and civil society organizations.(KINS)
