Hoshiarpur: Under the "War Against Drugs" campaign being run by the Punjab Government, and in accordance with the directives of the Deputy Commissioner of Hoshiarpur, Smt. Ashika Jain (IAS), an awareness workshop was organized by the District Drug De-addiction and Rehabilitation Society, Hoshiarpur, at Ludhiana Beverages Limited—the Coca-Cola Hoshiarpur Plant (LBPL).
On this occasion, the Deputy Medical Commissioner of Hoshiarpur, Dr. Swati Sheemar, was present as the Chief Guest. Additionally, Dr. Jasleen Kaur (Medical Officer-in-Charge, District Drug De-addiction and Rehabilitation Centre), Ravinder Kumar Jassal (Deputy Mass Media Officer), Parminder Kaur (Counselor), Prashant Adya (Counselor), Tahreen Basra (Fellow, Mental Health), Abhishek (Senior Manager HR, LBPL), and Pankaj Sanotra (Deputy Manager HR) were also present.
Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Medical Commissioner Dr. Swati Sheemar stated that drug addiction is a serious social and health-related issue, and continuous awareness is absolutely essential to prevent it. She appealed to the youth to adopt a healthy lifestyle and encouraged them to stay away from drugs and strive for progress through hard work. She emphasized that protecting the younger generation from drug addiction is a shared responsibility for all of us. She motivated the youth to become "Village Watchdogs" and members of Village Drug Committees (VDCs) to help spread awareness, adding that if we become vigilant starting today, we can once again transform our Punjab into a vibrant and prosperous "Rangla Punjab."
On this occasion, Dr. Jasleen Kaur provided detailed information regarding the adverse effects of drug addiction and encouraged the youth to stay away from it.
During the event, Counselor Parminder Kaur raised awareness among the students regarding the physical, mental, and social repercussions of drug addiction.
Speaking on the occasion, Counselor Prashant Adya informed the audience that treatment for drug addiction in the Hoshiarpur district is provided free of cost by the Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Punjab. He further shared that within the district, the Civil Hospitals in Hoshiarpur and Dasuya... Currently, two de-addiction centers, one de-addiction and rehabilitation center, and 16 OOT clinics are operational, where patients receive treatment.
On this occasion, Tahreen Basra provided detailed information regarding the ongoing activities under the "War Against Drugs" campaign—such as the 'Surma' program, the 'Village Watchguards' initiative, and awareness-building efforts at the grassroots level.
Speaking on the occasion, Ravinder Kumar Jassal shared information regarding the COTPA Act. Finally, Pankaj Sanotra, Deputy Manager (HR), extended his heartfelt gratitude to the visiting team from the Health Department and expressed hope that his staff would help carry the message of drug awareness forward.