SHILLONG: In a major step to combat the state’s growing drug problem, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma announced that the government will set up Detoxification and De-Addiction Centres in every district headquarters of Meghalaya within the next three to four months.
Chairing a review meeting of the Drug Reduction, Elimination and Action Mission (DREAM) today, the Chief Minister said the Health Department and the Social Welfare Department have been directed to jointly establish these facilities to provide proper treatment and rehabilitation to individuals struggling with substance abuse.
The meeting was attended by DREAM Director Francis Kharshiing, Advisor to the Social Welfare Department Paul Lyngdoh, Deputy General of Police Idashisha Nongrang, and senior officials from various departments and organisations.
CM Sangma acknowledged that several district headquarters currently lack proper drug treatment centres. “The Health Department has been asked to conduct a detailed assessment and take immediate steps to set up drug treatment facilities,” he said.
He added that these centres could be established in government hospitals, private healthcare facilities, or through collaborations with religious institutions and voluntary organisations.
“To ensure effective functioning, both departments have been directed to appoint trained counsellors and staff in all the proposed Detox and De-Addiction Centres,” Sangma said. “We will also provide specialised training to doctors, nurses, and other personnel involved in treatment and rehabilitation.”
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He expressed confidence that each district headquarters will have at least one Detox Centre and one De-Addiction Centre within three months.
During the meeting, participants also proposed the creation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to guide the management and operation of these centres, as well as exploring how Dorbar Shnongs (traditional village councils) could play an active role in combating drug abuse at the community level.
On the enforcement front, CM Sangma said the Police Department has been directed to intensify its crackdown on drug hotspots. “In the coming days, police will launch surprise and high-intensity raids in areas identified for rampant drug trafficking,” he stated. “This is crucial to control the spread of drugs across the state.”
