PGI, PIMS awarded for anti-drug initiatives

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, June 26

President Ram Nath Kovind on Tuesday presented the fourth national awards for outstanding services in the field of prevention of alcoholism and substance abuse to the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, and Punjab Institute of Medical Science (PIMS), Jalandhar.

The two institutions were among seven whose work was recognised. The PGI’s drug de-addiction and treatment centre received the award in the category of best research or innovation, while PIMS got it in the category of best educational institution doing outstanding work in awareness generation and prevention of alcoholism and drug abuse.

Speaking on the occasion, he said border states like Punjab and Manipur needed to be more vigilant over drug trafficking and drug abuse, especially since the country’s geographical location between the Golden Triangle (Myanmar-Laos-Thailand) and the Golden Crescent (Iran-Afghanistan-Pakistan) made the problem acute and complicated.

The President said the problem of drug addiction and alcoholism negatively impacted the individual, family and society in multiple domains such as health, culture, development and politics. "Drug addiction spurs poverty and also poses a challenge to our national security as well as to our development and public welfare goals," he said.

Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Thaawarchand Gehlot said the government had set up a 24X7 national toll free drug de-addiction helpline number (1800110031) to help the victims of drug abuse, their families and society at large.

June 26 is observed as International Day against Drug Abuse. The Centre had instituted the awards in 2013, which are now conferred biennially.