**Policy Summary: AIIMS Nagpur Multi-Stakeholder De-Addiction Initiative**
**Overview**
On July 15, 2026, AIIMS Nagpur’s Addiction Treatment Facility (ATF), under the Department of Psychiatry, initiated a collaborative effort to enhance community-based de-addiction services. The initiative is a joint venture between AIIMS Nagpur, the Pravah Foundation, and the Nagpur Rural Police, aimed at improving prevention, treatment, and outreach for substance use disorders.
**Leadership and Participation**
The deliberation meeting was chaired by Prof. (Dr.) Prashant P. Joshi, Executive Director & CEO of AIIMS Nagpur. Key attendees included:
* **Shri Sagar Yashwant Kharde:** Assistant Superintendent of Police, Nagpur Rural.
* **Representatives:** Pravah Foundation.
* **Faculty:** Department of Psychiatry, AIIMS Nagpur.
**Key Objectives and Discussions**
The initiative focuses on a coordinated response to substance use through the following goals:
* **Stigma Reduction:** Addressing the social stigma associated with addiction and promoting the understanding that addiction is a treatable medical condition.
* **Access to Care:** Encouraging timely access to medical services and strengthening rehabilitation efforts.
* **Community Outreach:** Expanding awareness initiatives to build a healthier, addiction-free community.
**Operational Referral Process**
As a primary outcome of this initiative, a formal referral system has been established. The Nagpur Rural Police will identify individuals with substance use problems and refer them to AIIMS Nagpur for professional evaluation and treatment. This referral process commenced on July 15, 2026.
**Contact Information and Metadata**
* **Release ID:** 2284724
* **Reporting Officers:** Shubham Gudadhe / Dinesh Yadav
* **Email:** pibmumbai[at]gmail[dot]com
* **Social Media Handles:** @PIBMumbai (X), /PIBMumbai (Facebook/YouTube), /pibmumbai (Instagram)
Key Entities Referenced
AIIMS Nagpur: The primary healthcare institution leading the collaborative multi-stakeholder initiative to strengthen community-based de-addiction services.
Addiction Treatment Facility (ATF): The specialized unit within AIIMS Nagpur's Department of Psychiatry responsible for the execution of prevention, treatment, and outreach for substance use disorders.
Nagpur Rural Police: The law enforcement partner collaborating to identify individuals with substance use problems and facilitate their referral to medical services.
Pravah Foundation: A community-based organization partnering with medical and police authorities to improve outreach and reduce the social stigma associated with addiction.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
AIIMS Nagpur Strengthens Community-Based
De-Addiction Services Through Multi-
Stakeholder Initiative
प्रव तथ: 15 JUL 2026 12:39PM by PIB Mumbai
Nagpur, July 15, 2026
AIIMS Nagpur has initiated a collaborative effort to strengthen community-based de-
addiction services through a deliberation meeting organised by its Addiction
Treatment Facility (ATF), Department of Psychiatry, in collaboration with Pravah
Foundation and Nagpur Rural Police. Held under the chairmanship of Prof. (Dr.)
Prashant P. Joshi, Executive Director & CEO, the initiative aims to improve
prevention, treatment and community outreach for substance use disorders.
The meeting was attended by Shri Sagar Yashwant Kharde, Assistant
Superintendent of Police, Nagpur Rural, representatives of Pravah Foundation and
faculty members of the Department of Psychiatry, AIIMS Nagpur. Discussions
focused on reducing the stigma associated with addiction, creating awareness that
addiction is a treatable medical condition, and encouraging timely access to
treatment services.As part of the initiative, individuals identified by Nagpur Rural Police with substance
use problems will be referred to AIIMS Nagpur for evaluation and treatment. The
referral process commenced on the day of the meeting, marking an important step
towards improving access to de-addiction services at the community level.
Addressing the participants, Prof. (Dr.) Prashant P. Joshi emphasised the importance
of coordinated action among healthcare institutions, police authorities and
community organisations in tackling substance use disorders. The meeting
concluded with a collective commitment to expand awareness initiatives, strengthen
rehabilitation efforts and work towards building a healthier, addiction-free community.
***
ShubhamGudadhe / DineshYadav
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