The Health and Family Welfare Department, Leh under the National Mental Health Program (NHMP) observed the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, themed ‘Addressing drug challenges in health and humanitarian crisis’ one day advance on June 25 at District Institute of Education and Training (DIET), Leh.

The International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is observed globally on June 26. It aims to create awareness about the issues related to drugs and seek international cooperation to combat its effects on health, and society.

The event was organised as a part of the ongoing workshop for principals/ambassadors on Ayushman Bharat School Health and Wellness Programme organised by Health Department, Leh in collaboration with Education Department, UT Ladakh. 

Chief Guest of the occasion, Sonam Namgyal, Chief Education Officer also spoke about the drugs issue. He said that many people consume drugs and other addictive substances as a style statement and status which is wrong. He stressed the need to spread more awareness of the bad effect of drugs.

He further added that day might come when control over the drug menace might go off-hand, so, people must act on it before it’s too late.

Psychiatrist, Dr. Tashi spoke about how drugs start from mental pleasure to addiction. He showed his concern about the increasing number of drug cases. 

Dr. Tashi Tundup also shared about the “War of Drugs” which is a global campaign 
popularised by U.S. President Richard Nixon to Congress in a press conference given on June 18, 1971, on Drug Abuse Prevention and Control during which he declared drug abuse “public enemy number one”. In this, they minimize DRUGS supply but the global war on drugs has failed because the public has illegally bought more drugs. He appealed to people to be aware of the drugs and its effect.

Dr. Nurzin Angmo, CMO, Leh said that everyone should be aware of the drug issue and need to be discussing it more. She said that due to covid-19, the rate of drug consumption has increased as people consider it a mental problem escape. 

She said, “People with drug addiction need help and they should be given proper medical attention and support”.

Dr. Nurzin said that cooperation from all the stakeholders is needed to eradicate the menace of drug abuse from society. 

Speaking about the noticeable behavioral changes in a substance abuser, Dr. Nuzrin Angmo urged the parents and teachers to look out for such changes. She also spoke about the provisions of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COPTA) and the District Level 
Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD) Committee to prevent the rising incidence of substance abuse. 

Principal, DIET, Tsetan Dorjay; Director, Dr. Skarma; District Tuberculosis Officer, Dr. Iqbal, District Immunisation Officer, Dr. Disket, and the teachers of DIET were also present during the day.