CHENNAI: After the Drug Abuse Prevention Conference organised by the State Health Department, the Health Secy directed various departments to monitor the drug awareness and drug abuse prevention activities in the State.

Tamil Nadu Health Systems Project is directed to explore funding options to strengthen de-addiction and rehabilitation centres. The director of drug control has been asked to follow up and create awareness on sale of schedule H and H1 drugs without prescription. Even online pharmacies are to be followed up so that drugs are not delivered without prescription and in case of any such incidents, the department will write to the concerned State governments.

The Director of Public Health and Preventive Medicine has been instructed to schedule visits of Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram Doctors to train teachers and create awareness on the bad effect of drugs or psychiatric substances. They should also create destitute and awareness posters and booklets.

The Health Secretary also instructed the Commissioner of Food Safety to follow up and take action on the sale of cool-lips, gutkha, panmasala, and tobacco manufactures, stores, transporters and sellers. State Mental Health Authority has been directed to follow up on the issue of regulation of drugs, while Institute of Mental Health would contribute to the statewide survey.

The Directorate of Medical Education and Directorate of Medical Services have been asked to start anti-drug clubs in all medical colleges. If drug abuse is noticed in Medical Colleges, Dean or Wardens should monitor and eradicate the menace of drug abuse in their hospitals, colleges or hostels. The de-addiction facilities should be strengthened and non-government organisations should be encouraged.

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