East Siang Deputy Commissioner (DC) Sonalika Jiwani on Thursday carried out an extensive inspection of drug de-addiction and rehabilitation centres in Pasighat, calling on recovering inmates to see themselves not as victims but as potential changemakers in society. She was accompanied by District Medical Officer (DMO) Dr. Yagling Perme, DDICDS Mailong Taku, and other members of the District Monitoring Committee, who reviewed the facilities to ensure they met the required standards of care and rehabilitation. The inspection, held on September 11, focused on critical areas such as counselling support, recreational opportunities, hygiene, nutrition, safety, and human resource availability. Officials also examined whether the centres were functioning in line with the latest Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) prescribed by the government.
At the government-run Sudhaar Ghar, a key rehabilitation centre in Pasighat, in-charge Medical Officer Dr. Oson Borang briefed the DC and her team. The centre currently operates with a modest capacity of 10 beds but has a team of 24 dedicated staff, including a counsellor, psychologist, and yoga therapist. The team provides round-the-clock assistance to inmates undergoing the challenging process of recovery. DC Jiwani interacted with the inmates directly, encouraging them to view their time at the centre as an opportunity to rebuild their lives. “You can emerge as leaders in the fight against drug abuse. By embracing skill-building, education, and vocational training, you can inspire others to walk away from addiction and towards a brighter future,” she said. She assured that the District Administration would extend its full support to those willing to take up skill development programs and vocational training initiatives. Departments such as the Skill Development and Education Departments, she added, would work closely with rehabilitation centres to provide opportunities for the reintegration of inmates into society.
The inspection team was not limited to health officials. It included Inspector D. Yomcha representing the Superintendent of Police (SP), as well as representatives from the Education Department. Their presence underscored the administration’s understanding that drug abuse is not merely a health issue but a social challenge requiring coordinated responses from law enforcement, education, and community outreach. Officials stressed that rehabilitation centres should not only provide medical support but also help inmates rediscover purpose and dignity. Skill training, recreational therapy, and psychological counselling were highlighted as key tools in this process.
