In a bold move to curb the rising menace of drug abuse, the administration in Sriganganagar district is implementing stringent measures. A new plan involves canceling the licenses of medical stores in villages without hospitals, as these locations are highly susceptible to the misuse of drugs for intoxication.
Key Measures Introduced

1. Drug Rehabilitation Centers Under Scrutiny:

   • The treatment records of all patients from drug rehabilitation centers over the last two years will be analyzed.

   • Authorities aim to determine the effectiveness of these centers in helping patients quit substance abuse.

2. Verification of Treatment Protocols:

   • Committees comprising government doctors and drug inspectors will verify the treatments provided by rehab centers to ensure no medicated drugs are being misused for addiction.

   • Action will be taken against centers failing to meet recovery benchmarks.

3. Border Security Enhancements:

   • Proposals are under consideration to establish new police stations and checkpoints along the Bharat Mala road and install CCTV cameras on key routes. These measures aim to curb drug trafficking in international border areas.

   • Drug smuggling through drones and cross-border trafficking from Pakistan, as well as illegal supplies from other states like Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Punjab, remain significant challenges.

Why Target Villages Without Hospitals?
District Collector Dr. Manju highlighted that villages lacking government or private hospitals are hotspots for drug misuse. She directed the drug control department to revoke medical store licenses in such areas to prevent potential misuse.
Broader Efforts to Combat Narcotics

• Staff Credentials to Be Checked: Rehab centers are required to verify staff qualifications and provide reports.

• Collaborative Action: Officials across government agencies have been instructed to work in coordination to tackle drug abuse.

• District-Level Narcotics Coordination Committee: A meeting, chaired by the collector, stressed a team-based approach to control the drug menace.

Challenges Identified by Law Enforcement
Superintendent of Police Gaurav Yadav pointed out that while Pakistan-backed drug terrorism is a persistent threat, interstate smuggling from regions like Himachal Pradesh’s Baddi, Madhya Pradesh’s Neemuch, and Kota, as well as opioids from Punjab, further complicate the situation.
Why This Matters to Pharmacists

• License Compliance: Pharmacists in affected areas should ensure adherence to licensing rules and regulations to avoid penalties.

• Awareness of Regional Policies: Understanding such policy changes is crucial to maintaining operational legitimacy.

• Role in Fighting Drug Abuse: Pharmacists can play an active role by preventing the misuse of drugs and educating communities about the dangers of addiction.