To review the progress on the upcoming Rehabilitation and Counselling Centre for Youth affected by Substance Abuse at Sanat Nagar, the Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Dr. Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat, chaired a meeting with senior health officials and other stakeholders in his office chamber today.

At the outset, the DC conducted a detailed review of the progress towards making the Centre fully functional and operational.

On the occasion, Dr Bilal emphasized that the purpose of the Rehabilitation and Counselling Centre is to provide comprehensive rehabilitation services to youth affected by substance abuse and facilitate their reintegration into society.

He stressed the importance of ensuring proper utilization of the Centre in collaboration with the Social Welfare Department, Health Department, and IMHANS to achieve the intended goals.

The DC directed the officers to take the necessary steps to operationalize the OPD facility at the Centre at the earliest, enabling immediate rehabilitation and counselling services for substance abuse victims.

Additionally, the DC instructed the concerned Officers to submit a detailed list of requirements, including manpower and paramedical staff, security and sanitation, baseline investigation labs, and other essential materials, to ensure the Centre becomes operational as soon as possible.

Pertinent to mention that, the rehabilitation & Counselling facility for victims of substance abuse at Sanat Nagar is, in addition, to the facilities available at SMHS Hospital, IMHANS and SKIMS Hospital, Bemina to provide rehabilitation and counselling services for substance abuse victims.

The meeting was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner, Syed Ahmad Kataria; Chief Planning Officer, District Social Welfare Officer, Chief Education Officer, Incharge Drug De-Addiction Centre GMC and other senior officers from the Health Department.