Excelsior Correspondent
LEH, May 19: Chief Secretary, Union Territory of Ladakh, Ashish Kundra, today chaired a high-level meeting to review the current status of drug addiction, rehabilitation measures, awareness initiatives, and enforcement actions in the Union Territory.
The meeting focused on strengthening the de-addiction framework through coordinated efforts involving health institutions, police, education departments, social welfare agencies, and civil society organizations.
Padma Angmo, Consultant Psychiatrist, informed the meeting that opioid-related cases in Ladakh have shown a concerning rise, with 101 new cases reported during the past year and 237 follow-up cases currently under treatment.
She further stated that patients suffering from Hepatitis-C linked complications are being provided medicines and diagnostic tests free of cost, though many patients fail to return for regular follow-up consultations.
Angmo emphasized that awareness programmes conducted so far are beginning to show positive impact and stressed the need to further normalize treatment at de-addiction centres by removing the stigma associated with seeking help.
She noted that one of the major challenges is the lack of regular follow-up by patients after initial treatment and counselling.
The Chief Secretary reviewed the functioning and occupancy status of de-addiction facilities in Leh and Kargil districts.
He also assessed the status of cases being handled at the District De-addiction and Counselling Centres (DDACs), including treatment capacity and rehabilitation mechanisms.
The Chief Secretary directed the Police Department to strengthen action against drug peddlers and improve enforcement mechanisms, questioning the continued rise in cases despite ongoing operations.
He also stressed the importance of bridging gaps in treatment accessibility and rehabilitation support systems.
Reviewing the role of NGOs and community organizations, Shri Kundra instructed that de-addiction centres should function under a structured and integrated framework with proper medical supervision.
He also discussed expansion of bed capacity and rehabilitation infrastructure with the concerned departments.
Secretary, Social Welfare Department, Shashanka Ala, who joined the meeting virtually, informed that arrangements are being made for additional facilities at Mahabodhi Hospital.
The meeting was attended by Secretary, PHE & IFC, Shurbir Singh; Secretary, School Education, Bhanu Prabha; DIG Leh-Kargil Range, Dr Kaushal Sharma; Consultant Psychiatrist, Padma Angmo; representatives from NGOs; and officers from concerned departments.
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