DrSatish Rasaily

27/09/2025

27/09/2025

Psychotropic drugs and sleeping tablets are prescription-only medicines. By law, they cannot be sold freely at a medical shop without a doctor’s valid prescription, because:

They can cause dependence and addiction if misused.

Incorrect use may lead to serious side effects or even life-threatening complications.

These medicines need medical supervision to adjust the right dose and monitor for harmful reactions.

27/09/2025

I was completely caught up with work and responsibilities in September, and it kept me away from giving enough time to my little ones. This October, I am dedicating myself fully to my children — to spend more time, create memories, and be truly present with them. 💙

25/09/2025

Nasha Mukt Sikkim Abhiyaan organised by
Tourism and Civil Aviation Department: Sahayogi Karmachari Initiative for employees on 25 Sept 2025.

Gangtok | The Social Welfare Department, Government of Sikkim, in collaboration with the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department, Govt. Of Sikkim organized a one-day Awareness Programme on Substance Abuse at the Conference Hall of the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department. The programme aimed to sensitize officers and staff on the harmful effects of substance use and to strengthen collective action towards a drug-free Sikkim.

The programme commenced with a welcome address by Mrs. Sheetal Pradhan, followed by the introduction of the dignitaries and resource persons. In attendance were Dr. Satish Rasaily, Senior Consultant, Addiction Medicine & Psychiatry, CAM Chuwatar; Mr. Mahesh Sharma, Additional Director, Social Welfare Department; and Mr. Kelvin Yongden, Welfare Inspector, Social Welfare Department.

The event was graced by senior representatives of the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department, including Shri C.S. Rao, Additional Chief Secretary, IAS; Shri Binod Sharma, Principal Director; Smt. Tashi Lamu, Joint Director and Nodal Officer of the Nasha Mukt Cell; and Shri Devan Gurung, Deputy Director, who also delivered the vote of thanks.

Mr. Mahesh Sharma, Additional Director, presented on the objectives of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, the NAPDAR Scheme, and the Sahayogi Mitra Programme, highlighting the importance of inter-departmental cooperation and the role of government officials in combating substance abuse.

Dr. Satish Rasaily delivered a detailed session on the psychological, social, and health-related impacts of substance abuse, underlining the need for early intervention, awareness, and support systems to safeguard the well-being of individuals and communities.

The programme concluded with a pledge ceremony, wherein officers and staff reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the vision of a drug-free Sikkim.

This initiative underscores the Social Welfare Department’s mission to foster multi-sectoral collaboration and empower communities and government agencies to collectively fight against substance abuse.

25/09/2025

Date: 24 September 2025
Nasha Mukt Sikkim at ICFAI University, Gangtok:

The Center For Addiction Medicine, Dept. Of Health and Family Welfare, GOS in coordination with Social Welfare Department, conducted a one-day Awareness Programme on Substance Abuse at ICFAI University. The event was attended by over 66 students along with teachers and faculty members, highlighting the importance of collective awareness on substance abuse and fostering a drug-free environment.

The programme began with a welcome address. Present on the occasion were Dr. Rajiv Gurung, Psychiatrist, Chuwatar, Mr. Mahesh Sharma, Additional Director, Social Welfare Department; and Welfare Inspectors Mr. Kelvin Yongden and Mr. Sogyal Pintso.

Mr. Mahesh Sharma, Additional Director, delivered a presentation on the current status of Sikkim in comparison to other states of India in terms of substance abuse. He highlighted the power of youth in driving social change and elaborated on the NAPDAR Scheme, as well as the objectives of the Nasha Mukt Sikkim and the Sahayogi Mitra Programme under the Sahayogi initiative. He also emphasized the ill-effects of substance use and the role of students and faculty in promoting a healthy and responsible society.

This was followed by an interactive session led by Dr. Rajiv Gurung, who focused on the links between substance abuse, mental health, and coping with academic and social stress. He engaged both students and faculty through practical examples and open discussion, encouraging healthier coping strategies and responsible decision-making.

The programme concluded with a pledge-taking ceremony, where participants vowed to contribute to a drug-free society. Refreshments sponsored by the Social Welfare Department were distributed to all attendees.

The initiative reinforces the Department’s ongoing commitment to empower youth, educators, and the wider community with knowledge and strengthen collective participation in the fight against substance abuse.

25/09/2025

Nasha Mukht Bharat Abhiyaan Pharmacy Institute, Majitar
25th September 2025 Organized by the Centre for Addiction Medicine, Chuwatar, Dept. of Health & Family Welfare in coordination with the Social Welfare Department, Govt. Of Sikkim.

As part of the World Pharmacist Day 2025 observance, an awareness session under the banner of Nasha Mukht Bharat Abhiyaan was held at the Himalayan Pharmacy Institute, Majitar, on 25th September 2025. The program was organized by the Centre for Addiction Medicine (CAM), Chuwatar, with active support from the Social Welfare Department.

The session featured two key speakers:

Mr. Mahesh Sharma, Additional Director, Social Welfare Department

Dr. Satish Rasaily, Senior Consultant, Centre for Addiction Medicine, Chuwatar, Dept. of Health & Family Welfare, GoS.

Mr. Sharma explained how addiction often begins with seemingly harmless habits that gradually turn into harmful dependencies. He emphasized that denial is one of the biggest obstacles to recovery but assured that with proper treatment and community support, recovery is possible.

Dr. Rasaily described addiction as a “chain,” where minor indulgences can lead to severe consequences. He highlighted treatment options available through CAM (Counseling and Assistance Modules) and referred to the 2019 AIIMS survey, which showed the increasing vulnerability of youth to substance abuse.

His presentation included visual slides on the consequences of alcohol use, its effects on unborn children during pregnancy, and long-term health risks such as dependence, memory loss, impaired motor function, cancers, and premature death.

The event witnessed active participation from 119 students, faculty, and staff. It concluded with a mass pledge by all attendees to work together towards a drug-free society and to safeguard the health and well-being of youth.

23/09/2025

"Festivals are a time for joy and togetherness—don’t let them become a reason for relapse. Please continue your medicines and treatment as advised. Your health and recovery matter the most. Stay strong, celebrate safely, and keep moving forward!"

23/09/2025

Meditation Center, Sikkim with Shri Ravindra Telang , Chief Secretary of Sikkim.

23/09/2025

Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan Awareness Program at Sajong Pharmacy College, Rumtek on 23rd September 2025,
Organized by: Centre for Addiction Medicine, Chuwatar Dept. Of Health & Family Welfare in collaboration with the Social Welfare Department.

An awareness program under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan was conducted at Sajong Pharmacy College, Rumtek on 23rd September 2025. . The program was organized by the Centre for Addiction Medicine, Chuwatar, with active support from the Social Welfare Department.

The session was facilitated by two distinguished speakers:

• Mr. Mahesh Sharma, Additional Director, Social Welfare Department
• Dr. Rajiv Gurung, Psychiatrist, Centre for Addiction Medicine, Chuwatar

Mr. Mahesh Sharma spoke about the concept of addiction, its various types, and how it is increasingly affecting the youth. He emphasized the role of Gen Z in building a healthier society and highlighted the importance of raising awareness not just among the youth, but also within the local community, neighbors, and society at large.

Dr. Rajiv Gurung discussed the medical effects of substance use on the human brain, and elaborated on the connection between stress, coping mechanisms (both positive and negative), and mental health issues such as depression and anxiety caused by alcohol use. His address highlighted the critical importance of early intervention and professional support in combating addiction.

A total of 66 students, along with the faculty members of the college, actively participated in the program. The session concluded with a pledge taken by all participants to contribute towards the betterment of society and the well being of youth.

The Addiction Helpline number was also shared with the attendees to encourage those in need to seek timely assistance.

Reported by Miss Priya Dhamala ( Program coordinator)

23/09/2025

Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan Awareness Program at Sajong Pharmacy College, Rumtek on 23rd September 2025,
Organized by: Centre for Addiction Medicine, Chuwatar Dept. Of Health & Family Welfare in collaboration with the Social Welfare Department.

An awareness program under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan was conducted at Sajong Pharmacy College, Rumtek on 23rd September 2025. . The program was organized by the Centre for Addiction Medicine, Chuwatar, with active support from the Social Welfare Department.

The session was facilitated by two distinguished speakers:

• Mr. Mahesh Sharma, Additional Director, Social Welfare Department
• Dr. Rajiv Gurung, Psychiatrist, Centre for Addiction Medicine, Chuwatar

Mr. Mahesh Sharma spoke about the concept of addiction, its various types, and how it is increasingly affecting the youth. He emphasized the role of Gen Z in building a healthier society and highlighted the importance of raising awareness not just among the youth, but also within the local community, neighbors, and society at large.

Dr. Rajiv Gurung discussed the medical effects of substance use on the human brain, and elaborated on the connection between stress, coping mechanisms (both positive and negative), and mental health issues such as depression and anxiety caused by alcohol use. His address highlighted the critical importance of early intervention and professional support in combating addiction.

A total of 66 students, along with the faculty members of the college, actively participated in the program. The session concluded with a pledge taken by all participants to contribute towards the betterment of society and the well being of youth.

The Addiction Helpline number was also shared with the attendees to encourage those in need to seek timely assistance.

Reported by Miss Priya Dhamala ( Program coordinator)

22/09/2025

NMBA Program at Industrial Training Institute (ITI), Mining on 22nd Sept 2025.

The Center for Addiction Medicine (CAM), Chuwatar, Department of Health & Family Welfare, Government of Sikkim, in collaboration with the Social Welfare Department, conducted an orientation program on Substance Use Disorders for the students of Industrial Training Institute (ITI), Mining.

Mr. Mahesh Sharma (Additional Director, SWD), Mr. Ram Kumar Tamang (Deputy Director, SWD), and Dr. Rajiv Gurung (Psychiatrist, CAM, Chuwatar) served as the resource persons.

The sessions highlighted the burden of substance use disorders in Northeast India and Sikkim, the harmful effects of alcohol, cannabis, and opioid-related drugs, and the need for long-term psychosocial rehabilitation to reintegrate individuals into society. Students were also sensitized to the early warning signs of addiction, enabling them to better identify and support friends or family members at risk.

Speakers stressed that early medical and psychological intervention offers the best hope of recovery. They also informed participants about the State’s first Alcohol and Drug Dependence Treatment Center—CAM, Sawney, Chuwatar, West Pandam—located just 3 km from Singtam Bazaar.

The Center provides 3–6 weeks of inpatient treatment for both males and females, along with an OPD block for those not requiring admission. It was also highlighted that trained doctors, nurses, and medical staff are available around the clock to provide continuous medical and psychological care throughout the course of treatment. Apart from medical and psychiatric intervention, patients also receive counseling, motivational enhancement therapy, and family-centered support, ensuring a holistic approach to recovery. Patients are treated with dignity and respect, without coercion, and admission is strictly voluntary. Families are encouraged to visit and remain actively involved in the recovery process.

The CAM emphasizes a compassionate, rights-based model of care that empowers patients to quit on their own, promotes self-motivation, and facilitates successful reintegration into society.

Chuwatar

21/09/2025

Nasha Mukht Bharat Abhiyaan at Heartfulness Meditation Center, Gangtok

Gangtok, 21st September 2025:
A program on Nasha Mukht Bharat Abhiyaan was organized at the Heartfulness Meditation Center, Ashram Site, ICAR Complex, Tadong, Gangtok organised by Heartfullness Meditation Center, Gangtok in collaboration with Ministry of Youth Affairs, Govt. Of India. The event featured a panel discussion on Substance Use Disorders with distinguished panelists including Dr. Sumnima Rai (Sikkim University), Ms. Parul Agrawal (Psychologist, SRM University), Dr. Satish Rasaily (Senior Consultant, Addiction Medicine Specialist, Chuwatar), and Shri Rabindra Telang, Chief Secretary of Sikkim.

The discussion highlighted the challenges of substance use and the urgent need for collaborative efforts involving academia, mental health professionals, medical experts, and government leadership in addressing the issue.

A special feature of the program was the guided meditation and Heartfulness meditation session conducted by Shri Rabindra Telang, which created a serene atmosphere and offered participants a sense of deep relaxation and inner balance.

The event successfully combined awareness, expert insights, and mindfulness practices, leaving participants both informed and rejuvenated.