Tripura government launches comprehensive plan to combat drug abuse among youth

The Tripura government has unveiled an extensive strategy to combat drug abuse among the youth, focusing on establishing multi-layered treatment facilities across the state. Breaking the barriers of urban centers, the government aims to expand drug de-addiction services to ensure accessibility to treatment for all residents. As part of this initiative, a central-level rehabilitation center, costing Rs 121 crore, is underway in Tripura’s Sepahijala district. Dr. Udayan Majumder, Tripura Mental Health Programme Officer, highlighted the collaborative efforts with AIIMS Delhi, which has resulted in the operation of a drug treatment clinic at the Modern Psychiatric Hospital in Narsingarh. Initially catering to 18 patients, the clinic now serves around 400 individuals regularly, offering treatment for substance abuse, including heroin, brown sugar, and injectable drugs.

Discussing future plans, Dr. Majumder outlined the government’s ambitious project to establish drug de-addiction centers in all districts. Under the Subarna Jayanti Tripura Nirman scheme, Rs 20 crore has been sanctioned for each facility, providing both indoor and outdoor services with 50-bed capacities. Furthermore, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has sponsored five addiction treatment facilities, ready to operate in Dhalai district, TTAADC headquarters, and other parts of the state.

Dr. Majumder also emphasized the forthcoming establishment of Tripura’s largest government-managed drug rehabilitation center in Bishramganj, Sepahijala district. Sanctioned by the Ministry of Development of the North East Region (DoNER) at Rs 121 crore, this 200-bed facility will offer free treatment to patients, aiding their recovery over a period of two to six months. Earlier this year, Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha reiterated the government’s commitment to curbing illegal drug trade, aiming to reduce HIV and AIDS cases associated with intravenous drug abuse among the youth. Saha emphasized the government’s determination to create an addiction-free Tripura amidst the widespread proliferation of drug addiction, particularly to substances like ‘Ganja’ and narcotics across the state.