THE GOAN NETWORK
MAPUSA
Commending the nameless and faceless persons who have contributed to fight drug-related problems, Superintendent of Police Karthik Kashyap on Tuesday emphasized the need to tweak certain laws to tackle the menace of drugs in the state.
“There is a need to brainstorm and develop an integrated policy of all stakeholders in an attempt to fight the drug problem. Certain legislative changes are required,” SP Kashyap said.
The SP in-charge of crime was speaking at a programme commemorating International Day of Drug Abuse and Trafficking at the North Goa District Hospital, Mapusa.
The programme was organized by Drug Treatment Clinic housed at the district hospital.
Continuing further SP Kashyap said, the intent of the government was very clear, as police have booked over 300 NDPS cases within a period of 10 months.
“But this is a very small aspect as far as the drug menace is concerned. We definitely need to do more to arrest the trend. If we need to stop and eradicate the menace we have to create awareness,” he said.
Kashyap disclosed that the situation in Goa was far better as compared to other states in the country.
He also revealed that the Chief Minister was also concerned about the issue and constantly asked for updates on the drug scene from the police.
Acknowledging the contribution of various persons and NGOs in the fight against drugs, the SP said the entire society will have to come together to fight the menace.
“We come across traffickers and substance abusers too. It is very challenging for us when they go through withdrawal. As much as it’s painful for them, it’s painful for us too,” he said.
In such situations, he said, police had no other alternative and were compelled to refer them for psychiatric treatment.
Senior psychiatrist and in-charge of the Drug Treatment Clinic, Dr Rajesh Dhume gave a detailed presentation on the kind of treatment imparted to those afflicted with drug-related ailments.
“Drug addiction is a mental illness. But it is also important to know that it is a biological illness and treatable,” Dr Dhume opined. .
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Drug clinic in Mapusa treats addicts
MAPUSA: Started around four months back, the Drug Treatment Clinic at the North Goa District Hospital, Mapusa has been catering to several drug and alcohol-related cases.
“We have 33 patients with drug related problems and 88 with alcohol-related problems who are treated in the clinic,” informed Dr Geeta Kakodkar, Medical Superintendent at the district hospital.
The clinic, the only one of its kind in the State and seventh in the county, was part of the plan of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India,
“We are happy the clinic is growing and functioning very effectively. There is need to spread the message that such facilities are available here,” the MS said requesting police to refer patients to the clinic.
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Consuming drugs is a sin: IGP
PANAJI: Consuming drugs is not only against the law, but a sin against God, said IGP Jaspal Singh at a International Day against Drug Abuse function held in the city on Tuesday.
Students in large numbers were present at the function.
"All religions say equivocally that God has created man in his own image. Our body is a temple. If we consume something which pollutes this temple, it is a sin against God," said Singh.
"Also, when we consume drugs, it indirectly helps terrorism," he informed, adding, "Most of the money from drugs goes to fund terrorism. In police terminology it is referred as narco-terrorism."
Highlighting the ill-effects of drugs, Singh said, "Drugs not only affect the individual but also his family, society and the nation at large. Crimes, robbery increase due to drug consumption."
Guest of honour Konkani Comedian John D’silva vowed that he will continue his campaign against drugs and said that he personally never drinks alcohol or smokes, not even in dramas and avoids promoting alcoholic drinks by serving only pure fruit juice instead of alcohol in personal functions.
Leading oncologist Dr. Shekhar Salkar said smoking is the gateway for drugs and further explained the ill-effects of smoking and consumption of tobacco products.
