Online Relay of the Anti-Drug Abuse Awareness Programme

Adichunchanagiri Institute of Medical Sciences (AIMS), B.G. Nagara, organized the online relay of the State-Level Anti-Drug Abuse Awareness Programme conducted by the Karnataka Police Department at Kanteerava Stadium, Bengaluru, for MBBS students. The programme was streamed live to enable students to actively participate in this statewide initiative aimed at creating awareness about the harmful effects of substance abuse and promoting a drug-free society.

The programme was presided over by Hon’ble  Chief Minister Shri D. K. Shivakumar . Other dignitaries included Shri Priyank Kharge, Hon’ble Home Minister , along with other ministers and distinguished guests. The programme was coordinated and moderated by Dr. M. A. Saleem, Director General and Inspector General of Police, Karnataka.

At the institution, the programme was coordinated by officials from the Karnataka Police Department, Nagamangala Taluk and Bellur Cross, Mandya District, under the guidance of Dr. M. G. Shivaramu, Principal, Adichunchanagiri Institute of Medical Sciences and Dean, Faculty of Medical and Allied Health Sciences, Adichunchanagiri University. The programme was graced by Prof. Victoria S., Principal, Adichunchanagiri College of Nursing, and Dr. Aliya Nusrath, Vice Principal, AIMS. More than 200 MBBS students participated in the programme.

During the event, the Hon’ble Chief Minister reaffirmed the Government of Karnataka’s commitment to making the State drug-free and launched the RISE (Refuse, Inform, Support, and Empower) campaign along with the “Beda Bro” initiative to encourage youth to stay away from substance abuse and become ambassadors of a healthy lifestyle.

All participating MBBS students of AIMS solemnly took the Anti-Drug Abuse Pledge administered during the programme, reaffirming their commitment to abstain from drugs, spread awareness among their peers, and contribute towards building a drug-free society.

Objectives

• To create awareness among medical students regarding the health, social, and legal consequences of drug abuse.
• To motivate students to adopt a healthy, responsible, and drug-free lifestyle.
• To familiarize students with the Government of Karnataka’s anti-drug initiatives, including the RISE and “Beda Bro” campaigns.
• To encourage future healthcare professionals to serve as advocates for substance abuse prevention and community awareness.

Outcomes

• MBBS students gained enhanced awareness about the ill effects of substance abuse and the importance of prevention.
• Students understood their role as future medical professionals in promoting public health and counselling individuals against drug abuse.
• The Anti-Drug Abuse Pledge strengthened students’ commitment to supporting a drug-free campus and society.
• The programme inspired students to actively participate in awareness activities and contribute to community initiatives aimed at preventing substance abuse.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
• SDG 4: Quality Education
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals (through collaboration between educational institutions and the Karnataka Police Department)