Srinagar, Feb 19: The Jammu and Kashmir government on Thursday informed the Legislative Assembly that around 70,000 persons, mostly youth, are struggling with substance use disorder in the Kashmir division — with heroin accounting for the majority of cases.
Replying to a question by MLA Javid Riyaz, the Health and Medical Education Department as per Kashmir Convener tabled data revealing that nearly 50,000 of these individuals are heroin users, many of them consuming the drug intravenously. The figures are based on a joint survey conducted in 2022 by the Health and Social Welfare departments across ten districts of Kashmir.
In its written response, accessed by Kashmir Convener, the government acknowledged that the Union Territory is facing a serious social and public health challenge due to the abuse of narcotic and psychotropic substances — a trend consistent with the national scenario. It said a multi-pronged strategy has been put in place, combining awareness campaigns, preventive steps, stricter enforcement, and enhanced treatment facilities.
According to the government, a network of de-addiction and rehabilitation centres has been established across the UT, operating out of District Hospitals, Government Medical Colleges, and police-run facilities. So far, nearly 69,000 patients have received treatment and rehabilitation services at these centres.
Free medical services — including outpatient and inpatient care, emergency services, and Opioid Substitution Therapy (OST) — are being provided through Addiction Treatment Facilities (ATFs) located in Medical Colleges and District Hospitals. At present, 1,864 clients are enrolled in these programmes, with 358 active beneficiaries under regular treatment.
The government also informed the House that efforts are underway to strengthen de-addiction infrastructure, particularly in rural and underserved areas. The Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (IMHANS) Kashmir and Government Medical Colleges are scaling up services, and new inpatient facilities are coming up.
ATFs at GMCs in Anantnag, Handwara, and Srinagar are already functional, offering counselling, OST, and outreach services. GMC Baramulla has been sanctioned ₹5 crore for a dedicated de-addiction block.
Officials said institutional mechanisms for prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation are being systematically strengthened to tackle the drug menace among the youth in Jammu and Kashmir.
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