THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In the wake of increasing substance abuse and alcoholism among school students, the district administration is all set to control medical outlets that sell addictive drugs with an iron hand.
District Collector Biju Prabhakar directed the law enforcement authorities to initiate legal actions under Kerala Anti-social Activities Prevention Act (KAAPA) against medical stores which sell medicines sans prescription from medical practitioners.
The Collector also directed them to take action against people who sell medicines with high dosages of addictive drugs and against those individuals who sell medicines for mental disorders.
Addressing a meeting of officials, Biju Prabhakar stressed the importance to formulate schemes to curb the use of alcohol and addictive drugs.
“The district administration will coordinate with organisations which can establish good rapport with educational institutions in this regard,” according to an official statement.
The district administration has planned schemes to prevent atrocities against male and female students in schools. Participation of government departments such as police, excise, health, education and agencies such as Childline, various government anti-addiction agencies, Parent-Teacher Associations of schools and colleges, National Service Scheme (NSS), Student Police Cadets and junior Red Cross would be ensured to set the ball rolling.
The meeting convened by the Collector also decided to give strength to campaigns such as de-addiction programmes, awareness programmes and rehabilitation of former drug addicts.
Additional District Magistrate V R Vinod, various department officials and representatives of Youth Commission and voluntary organisations were present at the meeting.