A state level consultation on ‘Public Health Perspective & Drug Use Response’ was organized by Manipur Users Collective (MUC) on Saturday, at Sangai Hall, Hotel Imphal by The Classic, North AOC, Imphal.
The objective of the consultation was to explore for a pragmatic and qualitative response through collective engagement; to work towards mitigating these complex challenges emphasizing public health and inclusive approach; and to explore for a conducive social impact.
The consultation comprised of two technical sessions, both focusing on the topic of “Public Health Perspective & Humane Approach to Drugs”. The first session was moderated by Sr Journalist A Mobi Singh and the panellists comprised of Kh Sasheekumar Mangang, Retired Director (Health), Govt. of Manipur; Pradip Phanjoubam, editor, Imphal Review of Arts & Politics; Ratan Longjam, advisor, HERICOUN; and Rev. Remember Newmai, Church Leader, Ukhrul.
The second technical session was chaired by RK Nimai, Retired IAS, as the moderator and the panelists, W Nabakumar Singh, Retired Professor, Manipur University; A Noutuneshwari Devi, Retd. Judge, MJS; and T Geetchandra Mangang, general secretary, CADA; spoke at length on the academic, legal and CSO perspectives.
The moderator, RK Nimai, summed up the presentations of the panellists and gave his perspective from the administrative viewpoint.
The consultation concluded with the panellists and participants agreeing to adopt a more humane and inclusive approach in tackling the drug crisis in the state while making various recommendations in that regard for translating these aspirations into reality.
The consultation was attended by eminent personalities from different sections of society including retired Administrators, Academicians, Medical & Legal Experts, Media Group, representatives from different CBOs/CSOs/NGOs and stakeholders from the drug user’s community.
