Senatebody for steps to control drugs in educational institutions

Islamabad

The Senate’s Standing Committee on National Health Services Regulations and Coordination on Monday asked the departments concerned to take steps to control use of drugs in educational institutions of the Federal Capital.

The committee which met here with Sajjad Turi in the chair expressed its concern over increasing use of drugs in the educational institutions which was reported by a non-governmental organisation (NGO) in its report.

The committee suggested appropriate steps in that regard and directed the ministry concerned to conduct a survey on the matter and submit its report to it. Deputy Commissioner Islamabad Captain (r) Mushtaq informed the committee that the local administration was taking action against the sale of tobacco within 50 meters of the educational institutions.

Some 21 tobacco shops had been sealed while teams were constituted to conduct information based raids on such shops to stop sale of tobacco to the students he added. He said 16 Sheesha cafes had been closed to discourage the unhealthy practice in the youth.

Several other steps were also being taken to encourage the youth to quit smoking. The committee chairman directed the departments concerned to verify the facts which were reported by an NGO regarding use of drugs in the educational institutions. Officials of Sheikh Zaid Hospital informed the committee that 50 per cent liver transplants were conducted free of charge which was appreciated by the committee members.