Washington, US

India and US have joined hands to tackle the menacing fentanyl crisis by increasing efforts to foil attempts of its supply at borders and cracking down on its networking, PTI news agency reported quoting a top health official in the Joe Biden administration. 

Advertisment

Dr. Rahul Gupta, Director of Office of National Drug Control Policy, a position which is popularly known as Drug Czar, told PTI news agency that both the nations share a robust working relationship to work in this direction. The official also emphasised the importance of both the countries coming together to increase public awareness about the risks associated with fentanyl use and improving access to treatment for addiction.

He said there is a need for continued cooperation and collaboration between India and US to address the global issue of fentanyl abuse.

"India has been very enthusiastic working with the United States to address this (fentanyl problem) because it understands the significance at a global level of leadership," he said. 

Advertisment

Also Read | King Charles backs research to investigate links between royal family and slavery

Dr. Gupta acknowledged India's position as a pioneer in combating the fentanyl crisis and said that the two nations are collaborating on various associated problems, including addiction, treatment options, and the overlap between mental health and addiction.

The Indian pharmaceutical industry, one of the largest in the world, can also play a critical role, he added. 

Advertisment

Also Read | Indian posing as fraud prevention specialist dupes many US elderly, gets 33 months prison term

Dr. Gupta referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remark that India is the world's pharmacy and noted including bilateral working ties on synthetic medicines, mental health, and the pharmaceutical industry.

Expressing the enthusiasm in this realm, he said that the governments of the United States and India are collaborating to ensure that they are both reviewing their scheduling procedures.

Gupta said it is crucial for people to carry Naloxone or Narcan, an antidote for opioids like fentanyl, since they may be saving the lives of their loved ones. We must stress to young people how powerful they are, how they may save the lives of others, and how vital it is to always have naloxone with them because we never know who would be poisoned the next time, he remarked.

Watch | Rivals Iran and Saudi Arabia hold first high-level talks in seven years

×

Fentanyl menace in US 

Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid which is highly addictive, has become a major source of concern in the United States due to its illicit use and abuse. The medicine is responsible for a growing number of overdose deaths. In addition, many people who become addicted to prescription opioids may turn to fentanyl when they are no longer able to obtain their medication legally.

Biden administration launches campaign against fentanyl 

US President Joe Biden's administration on Thursday launched the first phase of its campaign to "educate young people on the dangers of fentanyl and the life-saving effects of Naloxone, a medicine that reverses opioid-related overdoses." 

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.