Amritsar DC urges Health Dept to install cameras at OOAT centres

Amritsar Deputy Commissioner Ghansham Thori has written a letter to the Chief Secretary of the Health Department, Kumar Rahul, requesting the installation of CCTV cameras at government Outpatient Opioid Assisted Treatment (OOAT) centers where Buprenorphine is distributed to patients. The move comes after reports emerged that drug addicts were selling the Buprenorphine obtained from here in markets instead of consuming it, undermining the administrations efforts to combat drug addiction in the district.

"The installation of CCTV cameras will not only reduce the misuse of medicines but also ensure accountability and transparency in the distribution process," said DC Thori. Citing his experience during the Lok Sabha elections, Thori estimated the cost of installing CCTV cameras at each distribution point to be between Rs 5,000-7,000. He suggested an allocation of Rs 4-5 lakh to meet the installation costs at all relevant locations. He said this measure aimed at curbing the misuse and illegal sale of Buprenorphine, while also increasing public confidence in the efforts to combat drug addiction. This comes after the DC prohibited sales of pregabalin capsules over 75 mg without a prescription after reports of abuse.