C'River Health Ministry, NDLEA Strengthen Partnership To Combat Drug Abuse
By Ebi COLLINS
The Ministry of Health and the National Drug Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Cross River have deepened synergy to stem the tide of drug and substance abuse in the state.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr Henry Egbe Ayuk, who was during a courtesy visit on him by an NDLEA team, recently in Calabar, said such synergy has become imperative given the growing rate of drug abuse, especially among younger people.
Dr. Ayuk assured the Agency of the Governor Bassey Otu-led administration's support, especially in the area of implementation of policy issues in services rendered from health facilities.
The Commissioner also requested for a concept note from the NDLEA highlighting the body's expectations from government. He assured of the present administration's commitment to tackling drug abuse and other issues that are capable of debasing the moral social fabric of the society.
The Health Boss further commended the drug reduction department of the NDLEA in its efforts towards sensitizing the state against illegal drug usage.
Earlier in her address, the NDLEA's Deputy Commander of Narcotics, Mrs. Nandi Ada, who spoke in agreement about the need for robust synergy with the Health Ministry, informed that efforts were already in that regard as a letter had earlier sent to the Ministry requesting for nominees to be included in the drug control committee.
The narcotics director decried the hitherto slow paced operations of the state drug control committee, while stressing on the need to revive that committee to further strengthen the fight against drug abuse in the state.
"The issue of drug abuse in Cross River State in recent times proves to be alarming from the reports of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). To this end, the NDLEA has been working tooth and nail to curb this menace and reduce it to the barest minimum by running enlightenment campaigns in schools, radio and television, jingles, etc," she remarked.
The NDLEA official also raised concerns on the absence of rehabilitation centers in the state and the urgent need to establish one or more rehabilitation centers in the state.
