Jammu and Kashmir CM Mufti Mohammad Sayeed asks health dept to draft policy to deal with drug menace

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today directed the Health Department to formulate a comprehensive policy to effectively deal with the challenge posed by the menace of drug addiction that has endangered the future of younger generation.

He said the government is keen to prevent the menace of drug abuse, which is spreading like a 'cancer in society.'

"We need de-addiction and rehab centres at all district hospitals for our youth who fall easy prey to drugs," Sayeed said during Zero hour in the assembly.

He was responding to the concern shown by several members over excessive use of drugs by youths.

Expressing serious concern over proliferation of drug use among the youths, the Chief Minister said the Health Department has been tasked to frame a comprehensive policy on the issue to safeguard the future of our children.

"Even though Police have established some drug de-addiction centres at a few places, the onus primarily lies on the Health Department to put in place an effective mechanism to counter drug addiction," he said.