KOCHI:The statewide launch of ‘Sasneham’, the de-addiction programme organised by Kerala State Co-operatives Consumers’ Federation Ltd (Consumerfed) to save ‘God’s Own Country’ from the clutches of drug and liquor, was inaugurated here on Saturday.
The main objective of the programme is to extend a helping hand to drug addicts by creating the essential awareness and providing medication.
Excise Minister K Babu inaugurated the campaign at a function held at the Ernakulam General Hospital.
On the occasion, a cheque of Rs 5 lakh for drug awareness programmes and for the de-addiction centre of the hospital was handed over to General Hospital superintendent Dr T P Vijayan.
Babu said that Consumerfed was keeping aside a share of its revenues for the de-addiction drive and awareness programmes.
Kochi Corporation Mayor Tony Chammany was the chief guest at the function, which was presided over by Hibi Eden MLA.
Speaking on the occasion, General Hospital Psychiatry Department head Dr Annieyamma George stressed the need to reduce the availability of liquor and drugs to contain their abuse, especially among the youngsters.
“Organisations like the Consumerfed are doing their best to accomplish this task,” Annieyamma George said, adding that the fund donated by the Federation could be utilised for the construction of an Intensive Care Unit, with modern equipment, at the centre and for supplying free medicines to those who need it.