Jammu and Kashmir to Conduct Comprehensive Survey on Substance Use Disorders
In a significant move, the Jammu and Kashmir government, under the leadership of Health Minister Sakina Itoo, has announced plans to conduct an extensive survey on substance use disorders in 10 districts of the Union Territory. This survey is part of a national initiative aimed at gaining a deeper understanding of drug abuse patterns and enhancing policy interventions to combat this growing menace.
Minister Itoo also unveiled the launch of a groundbreaking community-based rehabilitation program called Circle of Care, designed to provide support to de-addiction counsellors at the grassroots level. This initiative has successfully trained around 600 counsellors from various sectors, including health and education.
Emphasizing the government’s commitment to improving treatment infrastructure, Minister Itoo highlighted that Jammu and Kashmir currently boasts the highest number of functional Addiction Treatment Facilities (ATFs) in the country. With 21 operational ATFs in the public health sector, each district now has access to at least one facility. These centers have collectively conducted approximately 1.5 lakh patient consultations to date.
Furthermore, the government is actively working on enhancing the primary healthcare system to serve as the frontline in treating addiction-related disorders. Plans are underway to expand inpatient ATFs and establish long-term rehabilitation facilities in a specific region of Jammu and Kashmir.
Minister Itoo disclosed that the finalization of drug de-addiction rules is nearing completion and is expected to be enforced soon. These rules are anticipated to significantly bolster efforts to combat drug abuse across the Union Territory. Additionally, a bill aimed at curbing the drug menace is set to be introduced during the ongoing legislative session.
Focus on Food Safety Measures
Shifting focus to food safety measures, Minister Itoo revealed that the government has ramped up enforcement and sampling drives during the period of 2025–26. Inspections witnessed a 25% increase, with a total of 19,115 inspections carried out, surpassing the target of 7,080 and achieving 100% of the highest food inspection target set by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India.
A series of twelve special enforcement drives were executed, with a particular emphasis on high-risk food items such as meat, paneer, ghee, sweets, and milk products. Through mobile food safety operations, authorities successfully seized and destroyed 57 tonnes of unsafe food products valued at Rs 99.40 lakh.
During this period, a total of 1,007 prosecutions were launched, comprising 63 criminal and 944 civil cases, resulting in penalties totaling Rs 1.72 crore. Additionally, 40 “stop-use” notices were issued to ensure compliance with food safety regulations.
Furthermore, 66 license and registration camps were organized, benefiting 7,516 stakeholders, while 3,463 awareness and training camps were conducted through mobile food testing vans at the grassroots level, underlining the government’s commitment to promoting food safety and quality.
