In order to combat and figure out increasing abuse of drugs among street children in the national Capital, the drug de-addiction department of AIIMS is conducting a study cum survey on ‘Child Drug Abusers’ in collaboration with NGOs that are working in the field of child protection and drug de-addiction on the proposal of the Delhi Government.
According to a Delhi Government official, a study cum Survey on child drug abusers has been ordered by Sandeep Kumar, Minister of Women and Child Welfare which will help the Government to adopt appropriate strategy to combat increasing abuse of drugs among street children.
“For this, the Drug De-addiction Department will be conducting study with the help of a team of 9 doctors and 10 NGOs which are working in the sector of child protection and drug de-addiction. Government will then work for the rehabilitation of these children on the basis of survey report,” said the Government official.
Speaking to The Pioneer, Dr Anju Dhawan, Professor in National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre and Department of Psychiatry at AIIMS, said, “We are going to conduct survey on the street children to know the reasons why they take drugs.”
Over 40-80 per cent of street children are prone to drugs. This study will provide the detailed and comprehensive report on drugs among street children. “The study will help us to analyse the interventions, rehabilitations for these children. We will be able to motivate and educate these children and help them in quitting drug habits,” said Dr Dhawan.
These places will be locations such as Railway stations, major traffic junctions and other vulnerable spots for these street children, said the doctor. A questionnaire has been prepared comprising of psychologists, clinical psychologists and experts, Dr Dhawan added.
While the questions while be related to their living atmosphere, habits, mental psychology, their family background and occupation of mother and father, it has been revealed in an AIIMS study that was done five years back that over 40-80 per cent of street children were prone to drugs and the situation has not changed, said Dr Dhawan.