Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has unveiled plans to set up a state-level advisory board aimed at addressing de-addiction and rehabilitation issues within the state. This initiative will be overseen by the Chief Minister himself, highlighting the government's commitment to combat drug abuse and support individuals in need of rehabilitation services.
During a workshop on Maternal, Infant and Young Child Nutrition and De-addiction, CM Sukhu also announced the designation of the Centre of Excellence of Mental Health at Dr Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College, Tanda, as the State level nodal institution for de-addiction and rehabilitation. Additionally, plans are in place to establish Opioid Substitution Therapy Centres at medical colleges and district hospitals across Himachal Pradesh, underlining the government's comprehensive approach to tackling substance abuse issues.
Furthermore, the Chief Minister emphasized the government's focus on addressing nutritional concerns among specific demographic groups such as adolescent girls, pregnant and lactating mothers, and children up to six years old, in conjunction with initiatives related to drug abuse prevention and rehabilitation. Sukhu also directed the Social Justice and Empowerment Department to develop strategies ensuring the wellbeing of expectant women and newborns during the crucial first year of life.
Acknowledging the critical first one thousand days of a newborn's life, the government is planning to decentralize the procurement of nutritional supplements to guarantee the quality of food provided to eligible pregnant women and lactating mothers. CM Sukhu stressed the need for creating awareness, starting at the school level, about the adverse effects of drug abuse, as part of the state government's efforts to curb substance abuse issues and protect young individuals from falling victim to addiction. Additionally, plans are underway to establish a state-of-the-art de-addiction and rehabilitation center in Kotla Barog, Sirmaur district, spanning 150 bighas of land.