Jammu, Feb 05: J&K now has drug de-addiction infrastructure available in 20 government-run Addiction Treatment Facilities (ATFs). In addition, six private de-addiction facilities are operational in the UT.
The data regarding the number of people registering for treatment of substance abuse disorder and availability and status of addiction treatment facilities (ATF) was furnished by Government in reply to a question by legislator Devyani Rana. The Government has stated ATFs are now fully operational across the Union Territory. There are 11 such centers in the Kashmir Division and 9 in the Jammu Division, the Government said.
These government facilities provide outpatient (OPD) services and function in all 20 districts, the reply reveals. These centers provide counseling and initial treatment to those in need. In addition, Inpatient (IPD) services with dedicated beds for comprehensive rehabilitation are available in the nine Government Medical Colleges. Some district hospitals also have admission facilities.
In addition to the 20 government ATFs, some private and NGO-run centres have also started to operate in J&K. These offer rehabilitation and mental health care services.
Since 2022 Kashmir Division has recorded 16,759 patients for treatment of addiction. This is slightly higher than 15,758 patients registered in Jammu division. The total number of people registering for de-addiction across J&K is approximately 32,500. In Kashmir, Srinagar which runs the major de-addiction facilities, has the largest share with over 6,100 registrations. This is followed by districts Anantnag, Kulgam, and Baramulla. In Jammu, the Government Medical College in Jammu city has handled the highest number nearly 9,800 cases. Kathua, Rajouri, and surrounding areas also have a significant numbe rof registrations.
The facilities for de-addiction are being set up as part of the broader Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan and Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Abhiyaan.
