International Day against Drug Abuse

Pushpa Gujral Science City organized a webinar at the occasion of International Day against Drug Abuse. Around 100 students and teachers from all over the Punjab participated through virtual mode. The theme was “Addressing drug challenges in health and humanitarian crises.” Dr. Neelima Jerath, Director General Science City in her introductory remarks said that every year on June 26th, the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is commemorated to raise awareness about the impact and negative consequences that drugs have on society. Drug use has become a severe problem worldwide, particularly among youth. The purpose to organize International Day against Drug Abuse is to create awareness and communicate research findings, data, and facts that can help people to overcome their addiction of drugs. She urged activists, therapists and social organizations will come forward to assist individuals in quitting drugs. Dr  Sandeep Bhola, Deputy Medical Commissioner, Kapurthala was the key speaker at this occasion.  He said that Drug abuse is considered to be a social evil, causing a huge burden on the society. It is a complex illness of the Brain detrimental to Physical, Psychological, Occupational, Financial, Familial and Social life. All these harms are a major cause of concern for the individuals as well as the society. He informed that Punjab Government has provided multiple treatment options to curb this illness. 32 Govt. Drug Deaddiction Centers and 18 Govt. Rehabilitation centers have been setup in addition to more than 200 Pvt. Deaddiction Centers in the state. A number of awareness programs have been designed to prevent the adolescents and youth from going towards drugs, he added. Dr. Rajesh Grover, Director, Pushpa Gujral Science City delivering vote of thanks said that drug problem is a major deterrent to humanity. Further, he emphasized that Governments have a responsibility to counteract both drug trafficking and drug abuse, but communities also needs to make a major contribution.