TURA: To mark the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking an Awareness Programme was organized for students by the District Administration in collaboration with District Medical and Health Officer, District Police Tura and Social Welfare Department at the District Auditorium in Tura. The theme for this year’s celebration was “Listen First- Listening to Children and Youth is the first step to help them grow healthy and safe”.
Speaking on the occasion Chief Guest, Deputy Commissioner, West Garo Hills, Ram Singh reminded the ill effects of substance abuse and how substances like drugs and alcohol can become unnecessary distractions to students and hinder them from being successful in their life. He said that the social and cultural issues of using betelnut and local rice beer in the society tend to pose a tendency for overuse which is harmful to a person’s life.
He suggested that the teachers should have a discussion among their students and discourage them from acquiring those habits which are harmful to their life and also to spread the message through social media since many have mobile phones these days.
In her keynote address, Additional Deputy Commissioner, West Garo Hills, Mary T Sangma spoke about the importance of creating awareness about the ill-effects of drug abuse and illicit trafficking especially to the youth of the region and called for creating a society free from drug abuse.
During the programme, Psychiatrist and Senior Medical & Health Officer, Tura Civil Hospital, Dr. Bollen S Sangma highlighted on various forms of alcohol and drug abuse, causes and their harmful effects, prevention and their related treatment. He said that drug abuse is one of the biggest social problems threatening and having damaging effects on individuals, families and the community at large.
Referring to “Over the counter medicines” or self medication, Dr Bollen said that taking medicines without the prescription of a medical practitioner or to continue the medicine for longer time than the time prescribed is also equal to substance abuse resulting in serious consequences.
District Child Protection Officer, West Garo Hills, Frederick Sangma sensitized the gathering about Child Rights and their protection from child abuse comprising of physical, sexual, emotional and verbal abuse. He also mentioned about Juvenile Justice Act and POCSO Act 2012 and their provisions in his presentation.