Prof Abdul Majid calls on LG, appreciates NMBA initiative

As part of the ongoing Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (NMBA), Prof Abdul Majid, Head, Department of Psychiatry and Sub-Dean, SKIMS Medical College, Bemina, called on Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha .

Prof Majid appreciated the sustained efforts of the Government of Jammu & Kashmir under the leadership of the Lieutenant Governor in addressing substance abuse and noted that the impact of the campaign is reflected in the increasing number of individuals seeking treatment at addiction treatment facilities across the Union Territory, said a press release.

During the meeting, he emphasised the need for continued awareness, promotion of healthy lifestyles, early identification of high-risk groups, strengthening of rehabilitation services, monitoring of de-addiction centres, strict regulation of habit-forming drugs, and a coordinated response involving all stakeholders.

He also highlighted the difficulties faced by psychiatric patients in procuring prescribed psychotropic medicines and requested measures to facilitate hassle-free access to these medications for patients with valid prescriptions.

The Lieutenant Governor was apprised of the awareness, treatment, rehabilitation, academic, and research initiatives undertaken by the Department of Psychiatry, SKIMS Medical College, Bemina, in collaboration with various stakeholders. 

Prof. Majid also highlighted the introduction of the Fellowship of National Board (FNB) in Addiction Psychiatry, the first such programme in Jammu & Kashmir, and the expansion of inpatient facilities at the Centre for Addiction Medicine from 10 to 20 beds. Prof Majid expressed gratitude to the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor for his patient hearing and continued support towards strengthening mental health and addiction services in Jammu & Kashmir.