The Chairman of the Meghalaya State Health Advisory Board and Nongpoh MLA Mayralborn Syiem has highlighted the need for collective effort to combat drug abuse, starting from the grassroots in every village and district.
Syiem is concerned about the increasing drug problem in the state, acknowledging that it is a societal issue that requires action from all levels of the community.
It was revealed in a recent state Assembly session that Meghalaya now has approximately 3 lakh drug users, up from 2 lakh the previous year. To tackle this problem, the state government has launched a Drug Reduction Elimination and Action Mission (DREAM).
Syiem highlighted the importance of uniting community leaders, religious figures, the state government and various societal and pressure groups to address this pressing issue.