Hoshiarpur:- Under the guidelines of the Health and Family Welfare Department, Punjab, the District Drug De-addiction Rehabilitation Center, Hoshiarpur, organized an awareness program on the occasion of National No Smoking Day at Sonalika International Tractor Limited, Nasrala. The program was organized under the supervision of Factory Manager Mr. Rajneesh Sadal and Medical Officer In-charge Dr. Nitesh.
Deputy Medical Commissioner Dr. Swati Sheemar was a special guest on the occasion. She was accompanied by Medical Officer In-charge, District Drug De-addiction Rehabilitation Center, Hoshiarpur, Dr. Jasleen Kaur, Counselors Prashant Aadya, Sandeep Kumari, Tahreen Basra (Fellow), and Dr. Shipra.
Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Medical Commissioner Dr. Swati Sheemar said that it is crucial to motivate youth to stay away from tobacco and other drugs, as they are extremely harmful to health. She stated that tobacco consumption can lead to cancer, heart disease, respiratory illnesses, and many other serious diseases. Tobacco not only harms the user but also their family and those around them.
She explained that with the support of the Punjab Government and the district administration, various certification and vocational training courses are offered to reintegrate addicts into society so that they can stand on their own feet and live a self-reliant life.
Dr. Swati also informed that the Ministry of Health, Government of India, has provided a tele-psychiatry helpline number, 14416, for addiction and mental health issues. By contacting this number, people can receive online counseling and advice from experts.
On this occasion, Counselor Sandeep Kumari explained that addiction is a mental illness that adversely affects a person's mind, body, and social life. She provided detailed information about the causes, symptoms, and side effects of addiction, and also raised awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco.
Counselor Prashant Aadya stated that the Punjab Government's Health and Family Welfare Department is providing de-addiction services at every health institution. In Hoshiarpur district, two de-addiction centers operate at Civil Hospital Hoshiarpur and Dasuya, where patients receive detoxification treatment for 15 to 21 days.
Patients then receive treatment and counseling for 90 days at the Government Rehabilitation Center in Mohalla Fatehgarh, Hoshiarpur. Additionally, 16 de-addiction centers (OOAT clinics) operate in the district, where patients receive regular medication and expert advice.
On this occasion, factory workers were made aware of the harms of tobacco and other drugs and encouraged to adopt a healthy, drug-free lifestyle.