Administrative Secretary, Social & Tribal Welfare Department, UT Ladakh, Nidhi Malik visited the District De-Addiction Centre (DDAC), Kargil, on July 27 to review its functioning and assess the facilities and services being provided for the prevention, treatment, counselling, and rehabilitation of individuals affected by substance abuse.

During the visit, she inspected the Centre's infrastructure and reviewed the medical and rehabilitation facilities available. She examined the bedding arrangements, medical assessment facilities, counselling services, and other support systems provided to beneficiaries undergoing treatment and rehabilitation.

Nidhi Malik emphasized the importance of ensuring a safe, supportive, dignified, and conducive environment for individuals receiving treatment. She appreciated the efforts of the DDAC team in addressing the growing challenge of substance abuse and strengthening drug demand reduction and rehabilitation services in the district.

She also reviewed the Centre's ongoing awareness and outreach initiatives, including counselling and awareness sessions in educational institutions, community outreach programmes, hotspot visits, door-to-door awareness campaigns, public pledge programmes, rallies, workshops, seminars, and IEC (Information, Education and Communication) activities. She highlighted the need for coordinated efforts among the DDAC, Police Department, religious organisations, educational institutions, and other stakeholders to effectively tackle substance abuse.

The Administrative Secretary stressed the importance of proper documentation of awareness activities and rehabilitation outcomes. She directed the Centre to maintain accurate and measurable records of programmes, beneficiaries, follow-up activities, and the success stories of recovered individuals to assess the impact of counselling, treatment, and rehabilitation services.

The visit concluded with directions to further strengthen institutional mechanisms, counselling services, rehabilitation support, community outreach, and preventive interventions against substance abuse. The DDAC team reaffirmed its commitment to providing quality treatment and rehabilitation services while working towards the goal of a drug-free Ladakh.