Manipur also joined the rest of the globe in observing International Overdose Awareness Day under the theme, ‘Together We Can’.
In the state, an observation organised by Social Awareness Service Organisation (SASO) in partnership with Manipur Network of Positive People (MNP+), Kripa Society and Care Foundation was held at the Manipur Press Club, Imphal on Saturday.
Speaking on the occasion, SASO joint secretary Laishram Shantibala noted that as per available report a total of 1,737 overdose cases were reported from 2004 till March 2024.
“Out of the total reported cases, 1656 were responded successfully while 81 cases resulted in death,” she said.
She maintained that even more lives could have been saved if timely intervention and support were deployed.
She stated that different organisations were working hard to address overdose issues and striving to improve the response time.
Meanwhile, professor Mc Arun stressed the importance of community involvement in preventing drug overdoses and creating a supportive environment for those battling addiction.
He highlighted that drug use in Manipur spiked in the 1980s which coincided with the HIV crisis.
He further noted that Manipur and Thailand had some of the highest drug use rates globally.
Medical Superintendent of JNIMS Dr. Kh Lokeshor, SASO general secretary of Y Shasikumar, JNIMS head of Psychiatry Department Dr. K Shantibala, MACS deputy director Dr Beema Haodijam, president of Editor Guild Manipur Khogendra Khomdram among others were present at the observance.
