Aster Medcity launches ‘Toofanonam’ against drugs & substance abuse

KOCHI: Aster Medcity, in association with Kerala Police, today launched a joint awareness campaign titled "Toofanonam" to combat drug and substance abuse, bringing together healthcare and law enforcement in a shared mission to build a safer, drug-free society.

Speaking at the event, S. Kaliraj Mahesh Kumar IPS, Commissioner of Police, Kochi City, commended Aster Medcity's efforts toward creating a drug-free environment. "While we continue working to curb the supply side, it is equally important to address the demand side of this problem. Sustained awareness campaigns are essential; when people understand the long-term after-effects of substance abuse, it strengthens their resolve to stay away from it. Alongside this, hospitals must also create dedicated spaces for addiction treatment and rehabilitation. Setting up de-addiction centres within healthcare institutions would go a long way in supporting recovery and reinforcing this larger fight against substance abuse," he said.

As part of the campaign, Toofan Warrior badges were distributed, and all present took the "Toofan" anti-drug pledge, committing to support the cause of a drug-free community.

A key highlight of the initiative is a chariot procession featuring Mahabali, which will travel across various locations in Ernakulam to spread awareness against drug abuse. The procession will cover schools, colleges, public spaces, and common community areas, with leaflets distributed to the public along the route. Police stations across the district will formally welcome the chariot at each stop, and doctors from Aster Medcity will accompany the procession. S. Kaliraj Mahesh Kumar IPS, Commissioner of Police, Kochi City, and Yathish Chandra G H IPS, DIG of Police, Ernakulam Range, joined in flagging off the chariot from Aster Medcity.

"As part of Aster Medcity's continued commitment to social responsibility, we are proud to be associated with the Kerala Government's Toofan Project and to celebrate this important milestone in the fight against drug abuse. We remain committed to supporting initiatives like this that work toward building a healthier, drug-free society, and we will continue to extend our resources and expertise to strengthen this cause in the community we serve," said Dr Nalanda Jayadev, CEO, Aster Medcity,

S. Kaliraj Mahesh Kumar IPS, Commissioner of Police, Kochi City, Yathish Chandra G H IPS, DIG of Police, Ernakulam Range, Dr Nalanda Jayadev, CEO, Aster Medcity, Dr Shuhaib Kader, COO, Aster Medcity, Dr Dilip Panikar, CMS, Aster Medcity, and Amit Singhal, Medical Value Travel, spoke during the event held at Aster Medcity.