UT to develop portal to keep track of schedule H drugs
Chandigarh: For real-time monitoring of all schedule H drugs, the Chandigarh administration will develop a portal where chemists can upload records of such drugs available with them.
Deputy commissioner Nishant Kumar Yadav chaired a meeting of the Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD) on Tuesday to discuss prevailing issues related to drug trafficking, substance abuse, and associated public health and safety concerns within the UT. The meeting aimed to reinforce enforcement mechanisms, streamline inter-departmental coordination, and ensure effective ground-level execution of anti-drug measures.
During the deliberations, Yadav directed all sub-divisional magistrates (SDMs) to inspect a minimum of three chemist shops per month in their respective jurisdictions. These inspections are to be conducted in collaboration with drug inspectors to ensure comprehensive compliance with regulatory norms governing the sale and distribution of pharmaceutical substances.
A key focus of the directive was to ensure that all chemist shops within UT Chandigarh are equipped with functional and strategically positioned CCTV cameras providing full visual coverage of the shop premises.
It is also mandated that all such CCTV systems maintain a minimum backup storage capacity of 30 days of recorded footage. This measure is being instituted as a deterrent against illegal activities and to strengthen accountability in the pharmaceutical retail sector.
It was further emphasised that any instance of non-compliance or regulatory violation identified during such inspections shall attract strict punitive action in accordance with the relevant provisions of law.
The district information officer was directed to develop a portal where chemists can upload records of all scheduled-H drugs available with them for real-time monitoring.
Officials of the health department were directed to start a drug de-addiction centre at GMSH Sector 16, Chandigarh. Additionally, the education department, UT Chandigarh, has been instructed to undertake a comprehensive survey to identify and eliminate the presence of any tobacco vendors operating within a 100-yard radius of educational institutions.
A consolidated report on the action taken is to be submitted to the superintendent of police (crime), UT, within 15 days from the date of issuance of this directive.
Furthermore, the police department and education department have been jointly tasked with preparing and implementing a structured action plan aimed at conducting awareness campaigns and educational programmes to sensitize students and youth about the dangers of drug abuse.
These initiatives are intended to build resilience, promote healthy lifestyle choices, and foster a drug-free environment across the city.
The meeting also took note of the nationwide launch of the Tele MANAS (Mental Health Assistance and Networking Across States) initiative by the govt of India. This programme offers round-the-clock mental health counselling and support services through telephone and digital platforms. The primary objective of Tele MANAS is to provide timely emotional support, coping strategies, and professional referrals to individuals experiencing psychological distress, mental health disorders, or stress-related issues.
Citizens are encouraged to avail themselves of the free and confidential services of Tele MANAS by calling the national mental health helpline number 14416.
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