Early detection key to eradication of drug Menace

Chandigarh, March 29, 2015: Early Detection is key to eradication of drug Menace from Punjab concluded the third round table conference on drug menace organised by Joshi Foundation, here today on Sunday at PHD Chamber of Commerce, Sector 31, Chandigarh. A number of drug de addiction experts from Punjab spoke about the solutions to this problem. Union Minister Vijay Sampla, Rajya Sabha MP Avinash Rai Khanna, Punjab’s Health Minister Surjit Jyani, Joshi Foundation’s chief and Assistant Media Advisor to Punjab Govt. Vineet Joshi, RSS’s Joint Secretary Amritsagar, Punjab Khadi Board Chairman Harjit Singh Grewal, Sri Sai University’s Chancellor S.K. Punj, Sardar Gurvinder Pal Singh, Senior Journalist Baljit Balli and famous cardiologist Dr. H.K. Bali participated in the programme .

Vineet Joshi said that the main objective of this conference is to get feedback from doctors and workforce connected with various de-addiction centers and to know the ground reality. Khanna and Sampla nodded the fact that it is important to connect to those people in Punjab who are closest to this problem. The answers to various questions could better be given by various NGOs and doctors who are working for the cause.

Sampla said as an individual I am part of a family, as a social activist of society and as a  minister of Government. Family, society and government have to work in coordination to eradicate this menace. The problem cannot be eradicated with strict laws but with mass awareness only. You all are working on the ground level and I have come to know many new things from you today.

Avinash Rai Khanna who chaired the conference told that government’s effort to set up de-addiction center all over Punjab has been practical to some extent. After talking to you all, we will work on the feedback provided by you. Khanna concluded the conference by saying that the participants were unanimous on early detection is a key for eradication of drug menace. He also added that drug addiction should be treated as a disease not as a stigma, post detoxification a strong follow up of the drug addicts should be ensured as challenge is not to get free from drugs but actually to maintain that freedom.

The de addiction experts and other people detailed about  the rising numbers of addicts coming to these de-addiction centers. They emphasized on follow-up mechanism to ensure that a treated patient doesn’t repeat his past.

Some new facts from the ground reality came into light. Some informed about a 14-year old addict who has been taking drugs since the age of 7. One expert gave an example of a full affected family. Another experts talked about traces of drugs in a new born baby from a drug addict mother.

The participants were unanimous on creating awareness among the society not only about early symptoms of drugs but also about treating drug addiction as a disease not a stigma.