Anti-drug initiative awards to PIMS , PGIMER

New Delhi: The 4^th National awards for outstanding services in the field of prevention of alcoholism and substance abuse given away biennially have gone to Punjab Institute of Medical Science (PIMS), Jalandhar and Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh this time.

The 2 medical colleges were a part of the 7 whose work has been appreciated.

The PGI was felicitated for the category of 'best research or innovation', while PIMS was recognized for best educational institution doing outstanding work in awareness generation and prevention of alcoholism and drug abuse

The President who spoke on the occasion said that drug trafficking and drug abuse called for greater vigilance in states like Punjab and Manipur, keeping in mind the strategic location of India geographically between the Golden Triangle (Myanmar-Laos-Thailand) and the Golden Crescent (Iran-Afghanistan-Pakistan). This he said led to the problem becoming both acute and complicated.

The President in an attempt to create awareness said that both drug addiction and alcoholism had a negative impact on individual, family and society in the area of health, culture, development and politics.

"Drug addiction spurs poverty and also poses a challenge to our national security, as well as, to our development and public welfare goals," he added to the Tribune.

The Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, Thaawarchand Gehlot revealed that government had set up a 24X7 national toll-free drug de-addiction helpline number (1800110031), to assist people ar large.

The above awards had been instituted by the Centre in 2013.