Centre’s ‘Nasha Mukt Abhiyaan’ Controls ‘Alarming Rise’ in Drug Addiction in J&K: Omar Govt

Jammu: Crediting the Centre’s Nasha Mukt Abhiyaan for curbing the alarming rise in substance abuse Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir government has informed house that a significant decline in drug addiction cases has been recorded since 2022. The number of drug addiction cases has dropped from 8,702 in 2023 to 6,922 in 2024.

The latest data on drug addiction treatment in Jammu and Kashmir reveals a declining trend in new cases. The total number of drug addiction cases has dropped from 8,702 in 2022 to 6,922 in 2024. District-wise data shows fluctuations, with some areas witnessing a sharp decrease in cases, while others have recorded an increase in in-patient admissions, suggesting improved access to treatment. Anantnag, Baramulla, and Kulgam have seen a significant decline in numbers, whereas facilities such as GMC Jammu, GMC Srinagar, and SKIMS Bemina continue to handle a high influx of patients.

The response from Government of Omar Abdullah came in response to a question raised by MLA Mubarak Gul, where the government said that there was an alarming surge in drug addiction cases in J&K, particularly among the youth. However, the launch of the Nasha Mukt Abhiyaan in September 2022 has led to a gradual decrease in new case registrations.

"The number of outpatient (OPD) drug addiction cases has shown a consistent decline over the past three years, while inpatient (IPD) cases have increased due to expansion of treatment facilities and better access to de-addiction services. To combat drug addiction, the J&K administration adopted a Drug De-Addiction Policy to streamline rehabilitation efforts by constitution of a State-Level Policy Implementation Monitoring Committee," J&K Health Ministry said in its reply.

ALSO READ: 'Indians Are Bad': US Patient Attacks Indian-Origin Nurse, Breaks Nearly Every Bone in Her Face

Health Ministry also said that the government has ramped up de-addiction services across Jammu and Kashmir by establishing 11 Addiction Treatment Facilities (ATFs) in Kashmir and 9 ATFs in Jammu along with OPD services operational in all 20 districts. "IPD services available in 9 Government Medical Colleges (GMCs), catering to both male and female patients. Psychiatrists have been deployed in all GMCs across the Union Territory. 25 Medical Officers (12 from Jammu, 13 from Kashmir) trained by NIMHANS, Bengaluru, and deployed to strengthen de-addiction centers. A real-time monitoring system using Google Sheets has been implemented for daily surveillance and data tracking," Ministry said in its reply.