THREE-DAY TRAINING PROGRAMME FOR MEDICAL OFFICERS ON SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS INAUGURATED AT NAMSAI

Namsai, November 2, 2026: The second edition of the three-day training programme for Medical Officers on Substance Use Disorders for the Eastern Zone commenced at Namsai on November 2 and will continue till November 4, 2026. The programme is being organised by the Arunachal Pradesh Drug De-Addiction Society (APDAS) under the Mukhyamantri Nasha Mukti Yojana (MMNMY), Directorate of Health Services, Government of Arunachal Pradesh.

Deputy Commissioner, Namsai, Shri Lobsang Tsering, attended the inaugural session as the Chief Guest, in the presence of Superintendent of Police, Namsai, Shri Sange Thinley, and other dignitaries.

Among those present were Prof. Siddharth Sarkar, resource person from the National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre (NDDTC), AIIMS, New Delhi; Dr. K. Perme, SPO, APDAS; Dr. C.L. Manchey, Joint DHS (NLEP); and Dr. S.K. Singh, District Medical Officer, Namsai.

The programme’s master trainers include Dr. Karo Teng, Psychiatrist; Dr. Oson Borang, i/c DDC, Pasighat; Dr. Kamlom Mosang, MD; Dr. C.M. Thamoung, DPO; Dr. S. Towang, DPO; and Dr. K.M. Lombi, ASPO, APDAS. Participants from ATF, OST, Sudhar Ghar and General Duty Medical Officers (GDMOs) from seven districts of the Eastern Zone are taking part in the training.

Addressing the gathering, Deputy Commissioner Shri Lobsang Tsering highlighted the seriousness of the Government of India’s initiative to make the country drug-free by 2030. He emphasised the crucial role of doctors and healthcare professionals at the grassroots level in supporting the vision of a Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat. He further informed that initiatives to make three villages in Namsai district drug-free are in the pipeline.

Prof. Siddharth Sarkar, in his address, highlighted that effective treatment for substance use disorders can bring positive changes in the lives of individuals and their families, including improvements in their social and economic well-being. He emphasised the importance of capacity building and knowledge enhancement among healthcare providers, stating that improved skills and a non-judgemental approach are essential for making treatment and support services more effective and accessible.

Superintendent of Police, Namsai, Shri Sange Thinley, shared his experiences in dealing with substance abuse cases and stressed the need for a holistic approach involving coordinated efforts from all stakeholders to address the growing challenge of drug abuse.

Dr. K. Perme, i/c DHS-cum-Vice Chairman, APDAS, underscored the importance of specialised training for Medical Officers and Nursing Officers across the state. He stated that APDAS would undertake similar training programmes for healthcare professionals in all districts of Arunachal Pradesh in due course.

The three-day training programme aims to strengthen the capacity of healthcare professionals in identifying, managing and providing appropriate care and support to individuals affected by substance use disorders.