Vardhman Thread Yard Observes World

Hoshiarpur/Daljeet Ajnoha /May 30 : Under the direction of the Deputy Commissioner of Hoshiarpur, the District De-Addiction and Rehabilitation Centre, Mohalla Fatehgarh, observed World No Tobacco Day at Vardhman Thread Yard, Hoshiarpur.
Dr. Jasleen Kaur, Medical Officer In-Charge, attended the event as the chief guest. Counselor Prashant Adya was also present.
Representatives from the factory included Vandana (Senior Executive), J.P. Singh (Senior V.C.I.C.), Khushbu, and other officers and staff.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Jasleen Kaur said the World Health Organization classifies substance abuse as a mental disorder. She noted that tobacco is often regarded as the “gateway to other drugs,” containing between 4,000 and 7,000 chemical compounds. She added that tobacco contains nicotine, which affects the heart, kidneys and almost every organ of the body. Dr. Kaur also warned of the severe adverse effects of tobacco use on women and said tobacco consumption can lead to nearly 70 types of cancer.
Counselor Prashant Adya described addiction as a chronic, relapsing mental illness comparable to conditions such as diabetes and hypertension. He said treatment is provided free of charge by the Punjab Health and Family Welfare Department.
He added that the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, has launched the Tele-MANAS app to help people cope with anxiety, stress, depression and substance-abuse problems. Free 24-hour helplines are available at 14416 and 1800-89-14416. At the district level, people can also call 85580-01882 for assistance.
Counselor Parminder Kaur said the district of Hoshiarpur runs two de-addiction centres located at the District Hospital, Hoshiarpur, and the Sub-Divisional Civil Hospital, Dasuya. Patients undergo detoxification at these centres for 15 to 21 days, after which they are admitted to the Government Rehabilitation Centre, Mohalla Fatehgarh, Hoshiarpur, for a 90-day treatment programme.
She added that under a vocational skill development initiative, the district administration and the Red Cross provide various training courses to help recovering patients become self-reliant.
Further, the Punjab Health Department is running O.O.A.T. clinics at district, sub-division and all community health centre (CHC) levels, where medication-based treatment is initiated through an online system with written consent from the patient and family. This treatment continues for about one year.
Additionally, under the National AIDS Control Programme, OST centres are being operated to treat patients who use IV drugs.
The programme concluded with all attendees taking a pledge to remain drug-free.