Himachal Pradesh mandates weekly psychiatric referrals for drug users

The Himachal Pradesh state AIDS control society held a meeting to address the increasing use of injectable drugs. Project director Rajiv Kumar emphasized the need for regular referrals of intravenous drug users to psychiatric departments. Kumar noted that every district has a psychiatric department that provides treatment for addiction. He highlighted the effectiveness of regular check-ups, counseling, and therapy in helping individuals recover. Kumar directed NGOs to refer at least five intravenous drug users to psychiatric departments each week. NGO staff are required to accompany users and monitor their health throughout the process.