Srinagar, Feb 22: Jammu and Kashmir has recorded 32,517 drug abuse cases at Addiction Treatment Facilities (ATFs) since 2022, according to district-wise data provided by the government.
The figures reveal that 16,759 patients were registered in the Kashmir division and 15,758 in the Jammu division over the past three years, underlining the magnitude of the substance abuse crisis in the Union Territory.
In the Kashmir division, Srinagar reported the highest number of cases at 6,100 since 2022. It was followed by Anantnag with 2,157 cases and Kulgam with 2,075, indicating a significant prevalence in South Kashmir.
Baramulla recorded 1,623 cases, while Pulwama and Budgam reported 1,312 and 1,166 cases, respectively. Other districts, including Bandipora (817), Shopian (713), Kupwara (552) and Ganderbal (244), also reported considerable numbers, though comparatively lower than the major urban centres.
In Jammu division, the numbers are equally concerning. GMC Jammu registered the highest number of patients at 9,806 since 2022, reflecting the heavy caseload handled by the region’s premier tertiary care institution. GMC Kathua reported 1,529 cases, while GMC Rajouri and GMC Udhampur recorded 1,227 and 968 cases, respectively.
GMC Doda registered 566 patients and Kishtwar 311 cases during the same period. Additionally, Poonch reported 359 cases, Ramban 577, Reasi 123 and Samba 292, highlighting the widespread nature of substance abuse across the division.
Officials said the data underscores the urgent need to strengthen de-addiction services, expand awareness campaigns and enhance rehabilitation and counselling support across both divisions.
The high number of registrations in key districts suggests not only the scale of substance abuse but also improved reporting and access to treatment facilities, which remain critical in addressing the growing public health challenge.
Recently, the government stated that de-addiction OPD services are functional in all 20 districts of J&K, while IPD services are available in all nine Government Medical Colleges (GMCs), catering to both male and female patients.
It said ATFs are operational in all districts of the Kashmir division and in nine districts of the Jammu division, with dedicated IPD beds and OPD services to ensure comprehensive treatment and rehabilitation.
In Kashmir division, functional ATFs include SKIMS, GMC Bemina Srinagar, GMC Anantnag, GMC Baramulla, GMC Handwara, District Hospital Kulgam, DH Shopian, DH Pulwama, DH Budgam, DH Ganderbal and DH Bandipora.
In Jammu division, ATFs are available at GMC Doda, GMC Jammu, GMC Kathua, GMC AH Rajouri, GMC AH Udhampur, District Hospital Kishtwar, DH Poonch, DH Ramban, DH Reasi and DH Samba, which is functional on an OPD basis.
In Kashmir, 11 ATFs are functional, with six IPD beds available at each district hospital. In Jammu division, nine ATFs are operational, while one has been sanctioned and is awaiting operationalisation.
