ZANSKAR: Deputy Commissioner, Zanskar, Omkar Rajendra Gundage, on Wednesday called for a coordinated district-level mechanism to strengthen awareness, prevention and monitoring against drug abuse and smoking, particularly among youth and children, while directing regular inspections of medical shops to check violations in the sale and stocking of medicines.
Gundage issued the directions while chairing a meeting at the Conference Hall of the Revenue Complex, Padum, to review measures for preventing substance abuse and strengthening public awareness across the district.
The DC called for the formulation of comprehensive guidelines and constitution of a dedicated committee to coordinate drug-abuse prevention, awareness and monitoring activities in Zanskar.
Emphasising the need for sustained public awareness, he stressed coordinated action by concerned departments to educate young people and children about the harmful effects of drug abuse and smoking and to strengthen preventive interventions at the community level.
The DC also directed that medical shops in the market be inspected regularly to check the sale and stocking of expired medicines and ensure compliance with prescribed rules and regulations.
The inspections will also focus on preventing the unauthorised sale of medicines that require a doctor’s prescription, with the aim of ensuring safe and responsible dispensing of medicines.
During the meeting, Gundage sought suggestions from participating officers and stakeholders on strengthening awareness, monitoring and enforcement mechanisms at the district level. Various measures for addressing substance abuse and improving coordination among departments were also discussed.
The meeting concluded with an emphasis on collective and coordinated action by all concerned departments to prevent substance abuse and promote a healthier and safer environment in Zanskar.
