Eliminating drugs : Anti-narcotics special taskforce on the cards (Lahore city)

Minister says it is crucial to rehabilitate drug addicts


Our Correspondent January 08, 2019
Punjab Minister for Health Dr Yasmin Rashid. PHOTO: FILE

LAHORE: A high level meeting, chaired by Punjab Health Minister Professor Yasmin Rashid, approved the formation of an anti-narcotics special taskforce to tackle the growing menace of drug addiction in principle.

The meeting also reviewed recommendations prepared by the special committee on narcotics control. “Rehabilitation of drug addicted people is as necessary as the eradication of narcotics. The growing trend of drug addiction has become a cancer of society” Dr Yasmin Rashid said. She added several departments were working to eliminate drugs, but consolidated efforts were yet to be made.

“Coordinated mechanisms to root out narcotics and rehabilitate addicts are the need of hour. The use of drugs in educational institutions will not be tolerated. I will personally talk to ministers of Social Welfare, Excise & Anti-Narcotics as well as School Education and Higher Education to devise a solid policy.”

The minister summoned another meeting on January 16 and directed all concerned departments to brief the ministers about their respective strategies to eradicate drugs. “As far as the health department is concerned, we are going to arrange special beds for the treatment of drug addicts,” announced Rashid.

“Rooting out the menace of narcotics is the symbol of a healthy society. The government will provide all possible human resources to meet the challenge of drug use.” She also reiterated that without political ownership, achieving certain targets would be impossible.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 8th, 2019.

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