60/2025-2026

Aizawl, the 20^th May 2025: The "3 Days Capacity Building Programme for Medical Officers on AYUSH De-Addiction Programme" was organized at Zarkawt Community Hall. The programme was jointly organized by the National AYUSH Mission, Directorate of AYUSH, and Mental Health Programme, Social Welfare Department. Hon'ble Minister of Health & Family Welfare Dept., Social Welfare, Women & Child Development, Pi Lalrinpuii, was the chief guest and inaugurated the training programme, here in Aizawl, today at 10:00Am.

In her inaugural speech, Pi Rinpuii expressed her happiness over the training programme, which aims to equip medical officers with the necessary skills to tackle substance abuse in Mizoram. She urged the selected medical officers from various parts of Mizoram to utilize the training opportunity effectively and make the most of the resource person's expertise.

During the inaugural ceremony, Dr. Lalhriatzuali Ralte IAS, Director of Social Welfare, also spoke and appreciated the inter-departmental collaboration. She expressed her desire to see such initiatives continue in the future.

Dr. Ravindra Rao, Professor, National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre, AIIMS, New Delhi, who was invited as a resource person, highlighted the rarity of such collaborations between Health and Social Welfare Departments in other parts of India. He expressed his optimism about the programme's potential to yield positive outcomes.

The three-day training programme will focus on substance abuse treatment and management. Dr. Rao will deliver lectures on 15 different topics, imparting valuable knowledge to the medical officers. This training is expected to have a multiplier effect, as the trainees will go on to train others.The two departments, in collaboration with Dr.Rao, are working on developing a training module, which will be used to educate NGOs and other stakeholders involved in substance abuse treatment once it is completed.

During the inaugural ceremony, Dr. S. Mara Thansiami, Mission Director, National AYUSH Mission & Dy. Director, Directorate of AYUSH, welcomed the gathering, and Dr. Lalkhawngaihi Renthlei, Assistant Director, Directorate of AYUSH & Chief Executive Officer, State Medicinal Plants Board Mizoram, proposed the vote of thanks, concluding the programme.