According to a top health official in the Biden administration, India and the United States have a strong working relationship in addressing the major threat posed by fentanyl drugs.
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid with a high potency that is primarily used as an analgesic. Since 2018, fentanyl and its analogues have caused the majority of drug overdose deaths in the United States, with over 71,238 deaths expected in 2021.
As per The Indian Express, on Thursday, the Biden administration launched a massive campaign to educate young people about the dangers of fentanyl and the lifesaving effects of Naloxone, a drug that reverses opioid-related overdoses.
Dr. Rahul Gupta, Director of Office of National Drug Control Policy, a position commonly known as Drug Czar, told PTI, “India has been very enthusiastic about working with the United States to address this (fentanyl problem) because it understands the significance at a global level of leadership.”
He stated that India is a global leader in addressing the threat posed by synthetic drugs. Dr. Gupta, one of the highest-ranking Indian Americans in the Biden administration, stated, “There is a robust working relationship between the United States and India on this issue because India recognizes its significance at a global level of leadership.”
Gupta stated, in reference to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s remark that India is the world’s pharmacy, that the nation has a substantial pharmaceutical and chemical industry. “There is a great deal of ongoing work, including bilateral working relationships concerning synthetic drugs, mental health, and the pharmaceutical industry,” he stated.
“We are very enthusiastic about this partnership. We look forward to advancing and strengthening our bilateral relationship because we know India can and will play a global leadership role in this area,” Gupta said. The United States and Indian governments are working to ensure that their respective scheduling regimes are examined, he said.
“There is a great deal of ongoing work, including bilateral working relationships concerning synthetic drugs, mental health, and the pharmaceutical industry,” he stated.
“We are very enthusiastic about this partnership. We look forward to advancing and strengthening our bilateral relationship because we know India can and will play a global leadership role in this area,” Gupta said. The United States and Indian governments are working to ensure that their respective scheduling regimes are examined, he said.
“How are controlled substances scheduled?” We are collaborating to combat drug supply routes and networks, as well as to prevent the diversion of these chemicals,” he said.
Gupta stated that the chemicals are frequently exported to other nations for use in the production of these lethal drugs. He stated that the two nations are also cooperating on addiction, treatment expansion, and the overlap between mental health and addiction.
“There’s a lot of work to be done, but we’re encouraged by the enthusiasm and capacity of both countries to collaborate on this vital issue,” he said. Less than half of young people in the United States are aware or cognizant of the fact that fentanyl, a lethal drug, is present in their drug supply.
“However, when viewed from the perspective of a pandemic, so much has changed: the drugs that are available on the market have altered how people acquire drugs, and the drugs themselves have evolved,” he said. As part of the campaign, he stated that the objective is to meet with young people and inform them that they, too, can be equipped to save lives.
Carrying Naloxone or Narcan, which is an antidote for opioids such as fentanyl, is crucial because they could save the life of themselves, their friends, neighbors, or someone at school or work, according to Gupta.
“It is crucial that we inform young people that they have the ability to save others’ lives and that they should carry naloxone with them. Because we do not know who will be poisoned the following time,” he explained.
“In addition to social media and messengers, digital ads will be displayed in certain states in locations such as subway stations, college malls, and grocery stores to ensure that we meet young people where they are and share this important, potentially lifesaving message,” he said.
“This is a challenge that permeates communities, and I’ve seen it in the Indian American community, where it has claimed the lives of young children as well as young adults. Therefore, it is crucial that we spread this message,” he said.
