Duplicate registrations to be blocked; centres face closure if norms unmet within six months
New framework mandates UTIN-based tracking, CCTV surveillance, strict staffing norms
Violation may lead to licence cancellation, NDPS action and sealing of premises
Irfan Yattoo
Srinagar: Amid growing concerns over misuse of substitution medicines, the Jammu and Kashmir government has introduced a comprehensive set of rules that bring all drug rehabilitation centres under a tightly monitored digital and regulatory regime.
The new rules titled Jammu and Kashmir Substance Use Disorder Treatment, Counselling and Rehabilitation Centres Rules, 2026 have been issued by the Health and Medical Education Department under provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.
Officials said the move is designed to standardise care, plug loopholes in drug dispensation, and ensure accountability in a sector that has witnessed rapid expansion in recent years amid rising substance abuse cases.
Under the notification issued on April 2, no institution will be permitted to operate a de-addiction or rehabilitation centre without obtaining a valid licence from the designated authority, with licences to remain valid for three years subject to compliance.
Existing centres have been given a six-month window to align with the new requirements, failing which they will have to shut down.
At the heart of the new framework is a robust digital tracking mechanism intended to eliminate duplication and misuse. All patients seeking treatment will now have to undergo Aadhaar-based registration, supported by biometric authentication.
The system will automatically block duplicate entries, a provision aimed at addressing a long-standing concern among enforcement agencies that individuals often register at multiple centres to procure excess quantities of substitution drugs for illegal sale.
Each registered patient will be issued a Unique Treatment Identification Number (UTIN), which will be linked to a centralised online portal maintained by the department.
This portal will record patient history, treatment plans, drug dispensation and compliance, enabling authorities to track patterns and flag anomalies in real time.
To further strengthen checks, centres will be required to install biometric attendance systems to verify patients before administering daily medication.
The rules make it mandatory that substitution therapy drugs often prone to diversion be dispensed only under direct supervision. Any instance of a patient found selling or diverting prescribed medicines will result in immediate deregistration and reporting to law enforcement agencies.
In parallel, the government will establish a Drug Dispensation Monitoring Cell (DDMC) at the Union Territory level to oversee real-time data on the usage of controlled medicines.
Officials said this would allow for tighter coordination between health authorities, police and regulatory agencies.
The rules also introduce stringent infrastructure and staffing norms, effectively raising the bar for compliance. Centres must now maintain a minimum space of 400 square feet per 10 inpatient beds, with separate wards for men and women, dedicated counselling rooms, and secure pharmacy areas under CCTV surveillance. Footage from these cameras must be preserved for at least 90 days.
Staffing requirements have been formalised, mandating the presence of at least one psychiatrist, a trained medical officer, clinical psychologists, nurses and qualified counsellors. All personnel must possess valid registrations with relevant professional bodies, and centres will be required to conduct periodic training programmes to ensure adherence to updated treatment protocols.
In terms of treatment standards, the rules require strict adherence to national and international guidelines, including protocols issued by agencies such as the National AIDS Control Organisation and the World Health Organization. Centres must maintain detailed records of drug stocks, dispensing and patient progress for a minimum of five years, with daily digital updates on the official portal.
The notification also lays emphasis on traceability of controlled substances, stipulating that every batch of drugs must be trackable from supplier to patient through barcode or digital verification systems. Any discrepancies between recorded and actual stock must be reported within 24 hours, triggering immediate inspection.
Significantly, the rules introduce strict timelines for reporting adverse events.
Any serious complication or death within a facility must be reported within 24 hours to the police, the Chief Medical Officer and the licensing authority, while adverse drug reactions must be communicated within 48 hours.
The framework also seeks to address concerns around patient rights and ethical practices, an area where activists and families have frequently flagged violations.
Treatment has been defined as strictly voluntary, with involuntary admission permitted only under judicial or certified medical grounds. The use of force, coercion or degrading treatment has been explicitly prohibited.
Special provisions have been included for vulnerable groups. Female patients must be attended to only in the presence of female staff, while treatment of minors will require consent from parents or legal guardians. Centres have also been directed to maintain confidentiality of patient records and ensure dignity in care.
To enhance transparency, facilities will be required to prominently display their licences, staff qualifications, fee structures and grievance redressal mechanisms.
They must also provide QR codes linking to their verification status and latest inspection reports. Misleading advertisements or claims of “guaranteed cure” have been banned.
Oversight mechanisms have been strengthened through a multi-tiered inspection regime. The licensing authority will conduct at least two inspections annually, while Deputy Commissioners have been empowered to carry out surprise visits. A UT-level monitoring committee comprising officials from health, police, social welfare and administrative departments will review compliance on a quarterly basis.
The rules also provide for integration of data with the State Crime Records Bureau (SCRB) and other departments, enabling authorities to analyse trends and coordinate enforcement. Aggregate anonymised data may be shared with law enforcement agencies to identify patterns of misuse and trafficking.
Non-compliance with the provisions will invite strict penalties, including suspension or cancellation of licences, sealing of premises, and prosecution under relevant sections of the NDPS Act. Operators found guilty of serious violations may also be barred from reapplying for licences for up to five years.
Officials said the introduction of the new regulatory framework marks a significant step in tackling the twin challenges of drug addiction and illegal drug diversion in Jammu and Kashmir.
