PASIGHAT, Nov 9: The third edition of a training programme on ‘Substance Use Disorder’ for medical officers and nursing officers of the Central Zone commenced here today and will continue until November 14.
The programme, organized by the Arunachal Pradesh Drug De-Addiction Society (APDAS) under the Mukhyamantri Nasha Mukti Yojana (MMNMY), Directorate of Health Services (GoAP), aims to strengthen the knowledge, skills and professional capabilities of healthcare personnel in identifying, assessing and managing substance use disorders, while ensuring appropriate treatment, care and support for affected individuals.
Superintendent of Police East Siang Pankaj Lamba attended the inaugural session as chief guest in presence of DHS-cum-Vice Chairman, APDAS, Dr Komling Perme; District Medical Officer East Siang Dr Dilip Dutta; and other dignitaries.
Among those present were Prof Siddharth Sarkar, resource person from the National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre (NDDTC), AIIMS, New Delhi; Medical Superintendent, Bakin Pertin General Hospital (BPGH), Pasighat, Dr Basumati Apum; Deputy Director (DD), Public Health; and Deputy Director, APDAS.
The training programme is being conducted by a team of master trainers comprising Dr. Karo Teng, Psychiatrist; Dr. Oson Borang, In-charge, Drug De-addiction Centre, Pasighat; Dr. Kamlom Mosang, MD; and Dr. K.M. Lombi, Assistant State Programme Officer (ASPO), APDAS.
Medical and nursing professionals associated with Addiction Treatment Facilities (ATFs), Opioid Substitution Therapy (OST) centres, Sudhar Ghars, District Programme Offices and General Duty Medical Officers (GDMOs) from nine districts of the Central Zone are participating in the programme.
Addressing the gathering, the SP highlighted the importance of such training programmes in strengthening the capacity of healthcare professionals to effectively address substance use disorders. He also emphasised the role of awareness initiatives, including Project Muskaan, in spreading knowledge and awareness about substance abuse and its harmful consequences.
Prof Sarkar, in his address, highlighted that effective treatment and care for individuals affected by substance use disorders can bring positive changes not only to their lives but also to their families, particularly in terms of social and economic well-being. He stressed the need for continuous capacity building and knowledge enhancement among healthcare providers, adding that improved professional skills and a non-judgemental approach are essential to making treatment and support services more effective and accessible.
Dr Komling Perme underscored the importance of specialised training for MOs and NOs across the State to ensure better identification, management and treatment of substance use disorders. He also highlighted the role of District Monitoring Committees in monitoring the functioning of Drug De-addiction Centres across the State. (DIPRO)