On the occasion of the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, the ACTReSA (Ayurved Centre for Treatment & Rehabilitation of Substance Abusers), Human Service Trust organized an Open Day on 29th June 2024. It was held at the Human Service Trust Sanskritik Kendra from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. to create awareness about the ill effects of drugs on the human mind. The event was organized with the support of all the staff working at our institution.

The Open Day started at 10 o’clock in the morning, where the public and staff were welcomed with a decoction of ginger, citronella, and cinnamon infused in boiling water. Registration information about each person was recorded, and a total of 85 people visited the Open Day. Additionally, free head massages were offered to both ladies and gents, with a total of 26 people opting for the service. Free consultations were provided by our professional Ayurvedic physicians. The Ministry of Health provided two nursing officers to conduct glucose tests and check blood pressure, which was highly appreciated by the public.

Our institution’s services were highlighted throughout the day, along with an exhibition of some of our products. The event was fruitful as visitors purchased prescribed medicines and some scheduled appointments for massages.

At the end of the Open Day, the President of Human Service Trust, Dr. Mrs. Vandana Lamba, shed light on the main reason for the event: “How to support those already addicted and how to prevent others from becoming addicted.” The Director of ACTReSA, Mr. Premchand Boojhawon, MSK, CSK, thanked and appreciated everyone present. Mr. Sewraz Corceal, Coordinator of the National Drug Secretariat, shared statistics on addiction in Mauritius and discussed ways to improve support systems to help addicts refrain from drugs, alcohol, and smoking.

Honourable Mr. Sharvanand Ramkaun, Parliamentary Private Secretary, in his speech, commended ACTReSA of Human Service Trust for the laudable initiative of organizing the Open Day and congratulated all the staff and Ayurvedic physicians of Mahatma Gandhi Ayurved Hospital and Ayurved Centre of Paillote for their efforts in making the program a success.

Finally, Mr. Harrynundun, former responsible person of the ADSU, explained how addicts’ behavior affects their parents and neighbors, urging parents to closely monitor their children.

The day concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks from the Chairman of Ayurveda, Mr. Prakash Bauhadoor.