Press Release
Press Release from Indian Medical Association- Sikkim State Branch
Information & Public Relations Department
Workshop on Nasha Mukt Sikkim Abhiyaan held at Rhenock BAC
IMA Sikkim State Branch, in collaboration with East Zone IPS: Addiction Psychiatry, conducted a Workshop on Nasha Mukt Sikkim Abhiyaan at Rhenock BAC with the support of the Social Welfare Department and the Centre for Addiction Medicine (CAM), Chuwatar, on 28th August 2025.
The workshop was graced by Shri S.K. Dhungana as the Chief Guest and Dr. Madan Mani Dhakal (CMO, Pakyong District) as the Special Guest.
The program began with a welcome address by Dr. Anmol Pradhan (Secretary, IMA State Branch), who highlighted the aims and objectives of IMA Sikkim. He stressed that addiction and mental illnesses are similar to other non-communicable diseases (NCDs). With the prevalence of such conditions steadily rising in society, he emphasized the need for continuous education and awareness to address these lifestyle-related disorders.
Dr. Madan Mani Dhakal deliberated on mental health and wellbeing, clarifying that mental health is not just the absence of mental disorders but involves one’s thoughts, feelings, and actions. He shared insights on common psychiatric conditions such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, suicidal behavior, and schizophrenia. Dr. Dhakal also touched upon the social and spiritual aspects of health, underlining that these dimensions cannot be neglected in the journey toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Shri Mahesh Sharma (Additional Director, Social Welfare Department) presented data on the prevalence and burden of substance use disorders in Sikkim, highlighting figures that were alarming compared to the national average. He showcased several campaigns initiated under the Nasha Mukt Sikkim Abhiyaan, such as Sahayogi Karmachari, Sahayogi Ama, Sahayogi Sarathi, along with outreach programs in schools, colleges, and communities.
Dr. Satish Rasaily, Convener of Addiction Psychiatry (East Zone, IPS), highlighted the close relationship between addictive disorders and mental health issues, explaining how these conditions make individuals more vulnerable to suicidal behavior.
Shri S.K. Dhungana, in his address, shared important facts about suicide and addictive disorders. He stressed that grassroots-level workers—including ASHAs, ICDS workers, and Self-Help Groups—must play a vital role in the early identification of individuals and families struggling with substance use and psychiatric illnesses. He urged them to connect such cases with Rhenock CHC for timely assessment, counseling, and medical support. He assured unconditional support to the Health Department and grassroots workers to realize the vision of a Nasha Mukt Sikkim.
As part of the workshop, a Nasha Mukt Pledge was taken by all 80 participants and resource persons, reaffirming their commitment to a drug-free society.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks, as IMA Sikkim extended its heartfelt gratitude to the BDO Rhenock, CMO Pakyong, Additional Director of the Social Welfare Department and his team, and all participants for their valuable support in making the initiative a success.
IMA Sikkim State Branch, in collaboration with East Zone IPS: Addiction Psychiatry, conducted a Workshop on Nasha Mukt Sikkim Abhiyaan at Rhenock BAC with the support of the Social Welfare Department and the Centre for Addiction Medicine (CAM), Chuwatar, on 28th August 2025.
The workshop was graced by Shri S.K. Dhungana as the Chief Guest and Dr. Madan Mani Dhakal (CMO, Pakyong District) as the Special Guest.
The program began with a welcome address by Dr. Anmol Pradhan (Secretary, IMA State Branch), who highlighted the aims and objectives of IMA Sikkim. He stressed that addiction and mental illnesses are similar to other non-communicable diseases (NCDs). With the prevalence of such conditions steadily rising in society, he emphasized the need for continuous education and awareness to address these lifestyle-related disorders.
Dr. Madan Mani Dhakal deliberated on mental health and wellbeing, clarifying that mental health is not just the absence of mental disorders but involves one’s thoughts, feelings, and actions. He shared insights on common psychiatric conditions such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, suicidal behavior, and schizophrenia. Dr. Dhakal also touched upon the social and spiritual aspects of health, underlining that these dimensions cannot be neglected in the journey toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Shri Mahesh Sharma (Additional Director, Social Welfare Department) presented data on the prevalence and burden of substance use disorders in Sikkim, highlighting figures that were alarming compared to the national average. He showcased several campaigns initiated under the Nasha Mukt Sikkim Abhiyaan, such as Sahayogi Karmachari, Sahayogi Ama, Sahayogi Sarathi, along with outreach programs in schools, colleges, and communities.
Dr. Satish Rasaily, Convener of Addiction Psychiatry (East Zone, IPS), highlighted the close relationship between addictive disorders and mental health issues, explaining how these conditions make individuals more vulnerable to suicidal behavior.
Shri S.K. Dhungana, in his address, shared important facts about suicide and addictive disorders. He stressed that grassroots-level workers—including ASHAs, ICDS workers, and Self-Help Groups—must play a vital role in the early identification of individuals and families struggling with substance use and psychiatric illnesses. He urged them to connect such cases with Rhenock CHC for timely assessment, counseling, and medical support. He assured unconditional support to the Health Department and grassroots workers to realize the vision of a Nasha Mukt Sikkim.
As part of the workshop, a Nasha Mukt Pledge was taken by all 80 participants and resource persons, reaffirming their commitment to a drug-free society.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks, as IMA Sikkim extended its heartfelt gratitude to the BDO Rhenock, CMO Pakyong, Additional Director of the Social Welfare Department and his team, and all participants for their valuable support in making the initiative a success.