Udaipur: Geetanjali Medical College and Hospital organised an anti-drug awareness and student welfare programme to promote mental health, discourage substance abuse and encourage a safe academic environment.

The programme was organised by the Department of Psychiatry to educate students pursuing professional courses about the harmful effects of substance abuse and its legal, social, academic and personal consequences.

The session was conducted by Dr. Jitendra Jinagar, Professor and Head of the Department of Psychiatry, and Dr. Bhakti Murke, Associate Professor in the department. Discussions focused on the early identification and prevention of substance use, responsible decision-making and the institution’s role in safeguarding student welfare.

A key highlight was an interactive session with IPS officers Dr. Amrita Duhan and Siddharth Srivastava, who briefed students on the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. They explained the legal implications associated with the consumption, possession and distribution of narcotic substances, highlighting the potential consequences of drug-related offences.

The officers also addressed questions concerning substance use among students enrolled in professional courses, emphasising the importance of legal awareness, personal responsibility and informed choices.

The programme concluded with an address by Dr. Sangeeta Gupta, Dean of Geetanjali Medical College and Hospital, who underscored the importance of student welfare, awareness and collective responsibility in building a healthy educational environment.

An impactful street play presented by the Social Welfare Department, Udaipur, further reinforced the message of drug de-addiction and highlighted the adverse effects of substance abuse.

The initiative served as an important platform to sensitise students to mental health, drug prevention, legal accountability and social responsibility.