Daijiworld Media Network - Guwahati

Guwahati, Sep 22: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Tuesday inaugurated the SEWA Inland-DREAM Rehabilitation Centre at Ballongre-Gambagre in Tura, West Garo Hills, as part of the state government’s efforts to strengthen treatment and rehabilitation services for people affected by substance abuse.

Sangma also launched standard operating procedures (SOPs) for rehabilitation centres across Meghalaya, aimed at ensuring greater uniformity, accountability and consistency in their functioning.

The rehabilitation centre has been established under the Drug Reduction, Elimination and Action Mission (DREAM), a state government initiative aimed at preventing substance abuse and providing treatment, rehabilitation and support to affected individuals and their families.

The Meghalaya government approved DREAM in 2023 as a mission-mode programme with the broader objective of working towards a drug-free state.

Sangma said the initiative brings together various government departments and local stakeholders, including the police, health and social welfare departments, district administrations, youth organisations and local communities, to address substance abuse through a coordinated approach.

“This new rehabilitation centre is an important step in strengthening support, care and recovery for those affected by substance abuse,” the Chief Minister said in a social media post.

He said the state government would continue working towards creating a “healthier, safer and more supportive Meghalaya”, while keeping citizens and their contributions at the centre of its programmes.

The introduction of the SOPs follows the constitution of a state government committee in January this year to formulate standardised procedures for rehabilitation centres operating across Meghalaya.

Under DREAM, the state has been placing greater emphasis on rehabilitation, counselling and community participation alongside enforcement and awareness measures.

The Social Welfare Department has also been involved in the treatment, rehabilitation and management of de-addiction centres under the mission.

During his visit to Tura, Sangma also handed over sanctions under the Chief Minister’s Special Development Fund (CMSDF) to youth groups, educational institutions, entrepreneurs and women’s organisations.

He also interacted with members of the public from different parts of the Garo Hills region.

The latest initiatives are aimed at strengthening institutional support for rehabilitation and improving the quality and consistency of services available to people seeking recovery from substance dependence.