A Nasha Mukti Awareness Program was successfully conducted on 28 February 2026 under the national initiative Nasha Mukta Bharat Abhiyan by the Department of Community Medicine, BKL Walawalkar Rural Medical College, Chiplun, Ratnagiri. The program was organized at the Urban Health Training Centre (UHTC), the Department of Community Medicine, and Nivali village, with the objective of creating awareness about the harmful effects of substance abuse and promoting a drug-free society. The program witnessed the participation of 120 beneficiaries, including medical interns, junior residents, nursing staff, UHTC staff, undergraduate students, and community members. The activity aimed to educate participants about commonly abused substances, their adverse effects on physical, mental, and social health, early warning signs of addiction, preventive measures, and available treatment and rehabilitation services. The program commenced with an introductory address by Dr. Ashapak Shaikh, Junior Resident from the Department of Community Medicine, who emphasized the importance of substance abuse prevention and highlighted the objectives of the Nasha Mukta Bharat Abhiyan. This was followed by a series of informative sessions conducted by medical interns on various aspects of substance abuse, including its current status in India, causes and risk factors, health consequences, social and economic impact, early identification of addiction, prevention strategies, and rehabilitation services. The sessions were delivered in simple and understandable language to ensure effective communication with all participants. Interactive discussions encouraged active participation, allowing attendees to ask questions and share their views and concerns regarding substance abuse. As part of the field activity, undergraduate students conducted a village visit to Nivali, where they provided health education to local residents. The students spread awareness about the dangers of substance abuse, the importance of seeking timely treatment, and the availability of government-supported de-addiction services. The program proved to be highly informative and impactful, successfully raising awareness about substance abuse prevention and encouraging community involvement in combating addiction. It also provided valuable field-based learning opportunities for medical students through direct interaction with the community. The initiative effectively contributed to the goals of the Nasha Mukta Bharat Abhiyan by promoting healthy lifestyles, preventive healthcare, and collective responsibility toward building a drug-free society.
