As part of the observation of International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2023, the office of the District Social Welfare Officer of East Khasi Hills in collaboration with Manbha Foundation, organised a health camp for high-risk members of society on Saturday in Upper Mawprem here.
This programme was held to sensitise students on the ill-effects and how to combat and reduce the demand for drugs and prevent substance abuse, which is a menace to individuals, their families and society at large.
Keshab Lamsal, counsellor at Kripa Foundation, spoke about the basics of drugs, myths and facts about drugs and their ill effects and also shared information regarding the availability of the facilities at the district rehabilitation centre to help the addicts in the form of de-addiction, detoxification and counselling.
In the second session, a health camp programme was organised where Dr LB Ghosh of Kripa Foundation and Dr Rica Lamar, secretary of Manbha Foundation, were present and conducted the health checkup where medicines were also provided free of cost.
Meanwhile, the District Social Welfare Officer also organised a capacity building programme on ‘Knowledge on Substance Abuse -Treatment and Rehabilitation’ for auxiliary nurses and midwives (ANMs) of urban health centres and dispensaries in Greater Shillong here on Friday.
Dr C Sarma, psychiatrist at Supercare Hospital, spoke at length on the topic ‘Remedial and Preventive Action from the Clinical Perspective’. Lamsal also gave a speech on the basics of drugs and supportive services for those affected by alcoholism and substance abuse.
