Doctor-led campaign “Nasha Mukti Indradhanush Abhiyan India” targets addiction-free nation

New Delhi: The “Nasha Mukti Indradhanush Abhiyan India” has launched a signature campaign that is gaining nationwide support. Spearheaded by the Asian Coalition for Health Empowerment (ACHE) in collaboration with Doctors Against Addiction (DAAD), the campaign seeks to eradicate addiction in India.

Over the past eight months, the initiative, backed by over 1,000 medical doctors, public health experts, and undergraduate (UG) and post-graduate (PG) medical students has been advocating for stringent tobacco cessation measures and broader addiction recovery efforts.

Former General Secretary of the Indian Medical Association (IMA), Dr. Narender Saini, emphasized, “The Nasha Mukti Indradhanush Abhiyan India is not just a campaign; it’s a movement toward a healthier future. The campaign embodies a comprehensive strategy to eradicate the grip of tobacco addiction while advocating for stricter policies to curb tobacco use and other harmful substances. The collective efforts of our dedicated healthcare professionals and the broader community in dispelling myths and fostering awareness are crucial steps toward a healthier society.”

The campaign extends beyond tobacco, addressing addictions such as drugs, alcohol, and smartphone overuse. Aligning with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal-3 (SDG-3), the campaign adopts a preventive and curative approach to tackling the addiction crisis.

Dr. Pawan Gupta, Senior Consultant in Pulmonary Medicine at BLK-MAX Super Speciality Hospital in Delhi, highlighted the campaign’s comprehensive strategy: “We are witnessing a paradigm shift. By uniting healthcare professionals and concerned citizens, this campaign creates a powerful voice to advocate for better health practices and policies. This holistic approach is crucial for achieving our goals and making a lasting impact on public health.”

Dr. Sunaina Soni, Assistant Professor at Subharti Medical College in Meerut, echoed the campaign’s significance, “The overwhelming response from the medical community indicates the campaign’s importance. The signatures we’ve gathered will drive significant policy changes, making a tangible difference in the fight against addiction. Through this campaign, we’re not just collecting signatures; we’re inspiring hope and accountability. It’s about empowering individuals and communities to believe in and strive for a tobacco-free future.”

The ‘Nasha Mukti Indradhanush Abhiyan India” campaign focuses on freeing individuals from tobacco, drugs, alcohol, and smartphone addiction. It strives to advance SDG-3 by ensuring good health and well-being for all, raising awareness to dispel myths about harmful addictions, and providing individual assistance for better health. Implementing global strategies and advocating for policy strengthening, the campaign aims for an addiction-free India.

With growing support, the campaign has gathered signatures and stories, which are being shared with health organizations and policymakers, including the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), to advocate for stringent tobacco cessation measures and improved public health policies. This collective effort marks a significant step toward creating a healthier, addiction-free India.