AIDS Control Society meeting held

Shimla Mar 13

· NGO’s directed to refer a minimum of five injecting drug users to psychiatric department weekly

The monthly meeting of the Himachal Pradesh State AIDS Control Society was held under the chairmanship of Project Director Rajiv Kumar here today. During the meeting concerns were raised over the rising cases of injecting drug use in the state. Apart from this, discussions were held on the efforts of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) working under the committee.

The Director emphasized that regularly referring injecting drug users to the psychiatric department could be a positive step to tackle rising injecting drug use problem. He highlighted that every district has a psychiatric department where young individuals struggling with addiction are being treated. He further stated that regular check-ups, counseling and therapy have proven highly effective in helping individuals overcome drug addiction. Psychological counseling, in particular brings about a positive changes in the mindset of injecting drug users which gradually reduces their dependency on drugs. It also boosts their confidence and enables them to reintegrate into a normal life.

Rajiv Kumar stressed that coordination and collaboration between NGOs and the psychiatric department could play a crucial role in transforming the lives of injecting drug users. He directed all NGOs to ensure that at least five injecting drug users are referred to the psychiatric department every week. Additionally, NGO staff must accompany them during the process and ensure continuous monitoring of their health.