Tura, September 22 (Daily Kiran) : The Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Conrad Sangma, inaugurated a new rehabilitation center on Tuesday in Balongre-Gambegre, Tura. This facility is part of the state’s ongoing efforts to strengthen treatment and rehabilitation services for individuals affected by substance use.
During the event, Sangma also launched standard operating procedures (SOPs) for rehabilitation centers across the state. These SOPs are designed to bring greater consistency and accountability to the operations of these facilities.
The rehabilitation center has been established under the Drug Reduction, Elimination, and Action Mission (DREAM), an initiative by the state government. The program aims to prevent substance abuse and provide treatment, rehabilitation, and support to affected individuals and their families.
In 2023, the Meghalaya government approved DREAM as a mission-mode program, with the overarching goal of creating a drug-free state. Sangma emphasized the collaborative nature of this initiative, involving various government departments, local stakeholders, and community organizations to address substance abuse through a coordinated approach.
In a social media post, the Chief Minister described the new center as a significant step toward enhancing support, care, and rehabilitation for those affected by substance misuse. He reiterated the government’s commitment to building a “healthier, safer, and more supportive Meghalaya,” while highlighting the importance of citizen involvement in government programs.
The introduction of SOPs follows the establishment of a committee earlier this year, aimed at developing standardized procedures for rehabilitation centers operating throughout Meghalaya. The state government is placing increased emphasis on enforcement, awareness initiatives, and community participation in conjunction with rehabilitation and counseling efforts.
The Department of Social Welfare has also played a crucial role in the treatment, rehabilitation, and management of de-addiction centers under this mission. During his visit to Tura, Sangma distributed approvals to youth groups, educational institutions, entrepreneurs, and women’s organizations under the Chief Minister’s Special Development Fund (CMSDF).
Additionally, he engaged with the local community members from various parts of the Garo Hills region. The government’s latest initiatives aim to bolster institutional support for addiction recovery and improve the quality and continuity of services available to those seeking help.
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