Shillong, June 26: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Friday reaffirmed the state government's commitment to combating drug abuse through a balanced approach of prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation, unveiling the Centre of Evolution at the Reid Provincial Chest Hospital to provide specialised care and strengthen recovery services for individuals battling substance abuse.
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| Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma hands over financial assistance to Sewa Inland during the inauguration of the Centre of Evolution at Reid Provincial Chest Hospital. (Image: X/SangmaConrad) |
Describing the initiative as a significant milestone in Meghalaya's ongoing anti-drug campaign, the Chief Minister said the fight against drug addiction extends beyond law enforcement and requires compassionate interventions that provide affected individuals with opportunities to heal, recover, and rebuild their lives.
Speaking on the occasion, Sangma stressed that rehabilitation and reintegration are essential components of the government's strategy to tackle the growing challenge of substance abuse. He said the newly inaugurated Centre of Evolution will serve as a dedicated facility offering specialised care, counselling, rehabilitation, and recovery support to people seeking freedom from addiction.
The Chief Minister also announced the establishment of five new rehabilitation centres across Meghalaya, further expanding the state's network of treatment facilities. With these additions, the number of rehabilitation centres serving communities across the state will increase from 14 to 19, significantly improving access to recovery services for individuals and families affected by drug addiction.
In another important development, an Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed to formally launch the first government-supported rehabilitation centre in Garo Hills, named Sewa Inland. The initiative is expected to strengthen rehabilitation services in the region by providing professional care, counselling, and support for individuals struggling with substance dependence.
Highlighting the government's holistic approach, Sangma stated that enforcement alone cannot eliminate the drug menace. He emphasised that providing timely treatment, counselling, rehabilitation, and community support is equally important in addressing the root causes of addiction and helping recovering individuals reintegrate into society with dignity.
He reiterated that the Meghalaya Government remains committed to creating an ecosystem where individuals battling addiction can access help without stigma and receive the care necessary to rebuild productive lives. According to the Chief Minister, every new rehabilitation facility represents another step toward ensuring that hope, healing, and recovery are available to those in need.
The latest initiatives form part of the state's broader vision of building a drug-free Meghalaya through coordinated efforts involving healthcare institutions, rehabilitation centres, law enforcement agencies, civil society organisations, and local communities. Officials expressed confidence that the expansion of rehabilitation services would further strengthen the state's campaign against substance abuse while offering renewed hope to individuals and families affected by addiction.
