4-day programme marks ground-level rollout of scheme for rehabilitation, socio-economic reintegration of drug abuse victims
KD NEWS SERVICE
SRINAGAR, Oct 10: In a significant step towards strengthening community-based interventions for drug abuse and ensuring better access to rehabilitation services, the Department of Psychiatry, Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar, through the Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Kashmir (IMHANS-K), has trained 40 Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) from Srinagar and Budgam under the Scheme for Rehabilitation and Socio-Economic Reintegration of Drug Abuse Victims, 2026.
The four-day training programme, held from October 5 to 8, marks an important step towards translating the scheme into action at the grassroots level. The initiative is aimed at strengthening the link between specialised psychiatric services and communities, enabling the healthcare system to reach individuals affected by substance abuse through frontline health workers.
The training was organised in accordance with the directions of the Chief Secretary, who recently launched the scheme, with the participation of ASHA workers representing different areas of the two districts. The programme marks the beginning of the scheme’s implementation on the ground, with further training activities expected to follow to expand its reach.
According to an official communication issued by the Directorate of Health Services, Kashmir, 20 ASHA workers from Srinagar district and 20 from Budgam district were nominated for the programme. The training was scheduled to commence at 10 am each day during the four-day period.
The nomination of frontline health workers from both districts reflects the importance being attached to community participation in addressing substance abuse, which requires coordinated efforts extending beyond hospitals and specialised treatment facilities.
ASHAs serve as an important link between healthcare institutions and local communities, placing them in a position to help identify individuals who may require assistance and facilitate their access to appropriate health services. Their involvement in drug rehabilitation initiatives can help strengthen awareness, improve community-level engagement and encourage affected individuals and their families to seek professional support.
Through this initiative, the Department of Psychiatry at GMC Srinagar, through IMHANS-K, is working towards extending its outreach beyond institutional settings and establishing stronger connections with communities. The involvement of trained frontline workers is expected to facilitate the identification of people requiring assistance and improve coordination between communities and specialised mental health services.
The initiative also underscores the importance of addressing drug abuse through a comprehensive approach that recognises the medical, psychological, social and economic dimensions of the problem. Rehabilitation requires not only appropriate treatment but also sustained support to help affected individuals regain stability, rebuild relationships and reintegrate into society.
The scheme’s focus on socio-economic reintegration highlights the need to look beyond immediate treatment and recovery. Individuals affected by substance abuse may require continued guidance and support to overcome social barriers and resume productive lives. Community-level engagement can play a significant role in connecting them with appropriate services and encouraging families to participate in the recovery process.
The training of the first batch of 40 ASHA workers is expected to lay the groundwork for further capacity-building programmes and broader community outreach. As additional training activities are taken up, the initiative can help strengthen the coordination between frontline health workers and specialised psychiatric services, allowing the Department of Psychiatry to extend its reach to more people in need of assistance.
The Directorate of Health Services, Kashmir, designated district-level coordinators to facilitate the participation of the nominated workers. Dr. Mudasir Nabi, Medical Officer, Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK), Zadibal, was designated as the coordinator for Srinagar, while Dr. Tawseef Amin, District Consultant, National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP), Budgam, was assigned responsibility for Budgam.
The official communication was also circulated to the concerned health authorities and programme officials for information and necessary action, with instructions to ensure the attendance of all nominated ASHA workers.
The initiative represents an effort to strengthen the community-level response to drug abuse by bringing frontline health workers into the rehabilitation framework. Its effectiveness will depend on sustained training, coordination with specialised healthcare institutions, community participation and continued support for individuals seeking recovery.
With the initial training programme completed, the focus will now be on building upon this foundation through further capacity-building and outreach efforts, so that people affected by substance abuse can be connected with appropriate care and rehabilitation services closer to their communities.
