Collective effort needed to curb drug abuse in Jammu Kashmir, says Sakina Itoo

October 14, 2025 by News Desk

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Minister for Education, Social Welfare, Health and Medical Education Sakina Itoo on Tuesday said that the menace of drug abuse has deeply penetrated across Jammu and Kashmir, calling for collective efforts from all sections of society to eliminate it.

Speaking to reporters after flagging off a 5-km “Red Run Marathon” organized by the Jammu Kashmir AIDS Control Society in collaboration with Kashmir University, the minister said that while the government and the Health Department are taking all necessary measures, public participation is crucial to effectively address the challenge.

“The menace of drugs has spread widely in Jammu and Kashmir. We are taking every possible step to curb it, but it is also the responsibility of every citizen to cooperate in this mission,” Sakina Itoo said. “The Health Department is working actively through awareness, treatment, and community-based interventions.”

Highlighting the government’s efforts to strengthen healthcare outreach, she said that new ambulances had been procured under the AIDS Control Programme to extend services to remote areas for early identification and support of HIV-positive individuals.

“The government has received ambulances under the AIDS programme so that these vehicles can reach far-flung areas and help identify affected individuals. Those suffering should come forward so that timely steps can be taken for their care and treatment,” the minister added.