DREAM Director FG Kharshiing shared his experience of meeting youths
during a health camp where many expressed willingness to seek rehabilitation if services were free
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Dec 2: Meghalaya faces a growing crisis due to insufficient rehabilitation centres for its youth battling addiction. FG Kharshiing, Mission Director of Drug Reduction Elimination and Action Mission (DREAM), acknowledged the lack of accessible, affordable detox and rehabilitation facilities.
“Many of our youth struggle with addiction and related health problems, including HIV. Societal stigma compounds their challenges,” said Kharshiing.
He revealed that while six government-run centres exist, they are outnumbered by private facilities charging exorbitant fees of Rs 8,000 to 15,000 per month, making them unaffordable for most families.
Kharshiing shared his experience of meeting youths during a health camp in Mawprem, where many expressed willingness to seek rehabilitation if services were free.
Realising the urgency, he has been working with deputy commissioners of six identified hotspot districts, urging them to collaborate with NGOs, private hospitals, and influential individuals under corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
“The government is keen to support NGOs and private partners in establishing rehab centres, but this will take time. We must start somewhere,” he stated. Kharshiing suggested introducing a special card for drug users, similar to MHIS, for treatment in government facilities.
Kharshiing was speaking at an awareness programme conducted by DREAM in Shanti Bhavan, where active drug users participated in vocational courses and skills to prevent relapse, in collaboration with SKILLS Meghalaya. Recovering users shared their experiences.
‘Ill treatment’ of inmates at Assam’s rehab centres
The ill-treatment of inmates in Assam rehab centres highlights the need for reliable and affordable rehabilitation centres in Shillong. Social Welfare Minister Paul Lyngdoh stated that the state government is working on a proposal to establish additional rehabilitation centres by 2025.
Lyngdoh said he would review the alleged ill-treatment of drug users in Assam, while also informing that the East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner has written to the concerned authority in Assam on the matter.
Lyngdoh noted that many church-based institutes, funded partially or fully by the government, and nine private rehabilitation centres, funded by the state government, are operational for youths struggling with addiction.