The Social and Cultural Affairs Committee (SCAC) met with the Dzongdag, Dzongrab, Investigative Officer (IC), Local Government leaders, and sector heads to discuss Youth and Substance Abuse in Paro.

The Dzongdag highlighted the urgency of tackling the issue, citing Paro’s proximity to Thimphu as a contributing factor.

The RBP reported 44 cases involving 75 youths (2022–2025), mostly related to youth and inhalants abuse as well as a high level of alcohol related incidents.

Financial constraint by families was one of the reasons why youth were unable to complete the mandatory SUD counselling programme.

Local Government leaders and educators pointed to parental neglect, peer pressure, and easy substance access as key causes. According to them, youth come from divorced families and lack guidance. Easy accessibility to alcohol, tobacco, and drugs to minors have also further aggravated the issue. Stricter monitoring, awareness programs, and gewog-level support were recommended.

Dzongkhag leaders emphasized the need for more youth centers, better parenting, and funding for engagement programs.

Shaba Higher Secondary School

In the afternoon, the committee met with the teachers and students of Shaba Higher Secondary School.

During the meeting, students and teachers raised concerns about the increasing use of tobacco, alcohol, and drugs, as well as the rising number of liquor licenses. The students emphasized the need for stricter regulations, awareness programs, and stronger law enforcement to address these issues effectively.

1st April, 2025

The Social and Cultural Affairs Committee met with the Officiating Director General of the Department of Air Transport, Airport Manager, representatives from Bhutan Airlines and Druk Air, officials from Customs, BFDA, and aviation security.

Discussions focused on the recent drug smuggling arrests made in the Paro International Airport.

With growing concerns of such attempts, the stakeholders highlighted current challenges and recommendations to address this including more sophisticated equipment and other resources.

Paro Hospital

In the afternoon, the SCAC met with the Chief Medical Officer, medical officials, nurses, and clinical counsellors to discuss substance abuse treatment and related healthcare challenges. While tobacco use was not seen as a major issue, alcohol abuse was highlighted as a significant concern, contributing to domestic violence, stroke, high blood pressure, and liver disease. 

Paro Hospital, the second busiest after JDWNRH, faces a shortage of healthcare professionals, making follow-ups and rehabilitation challenging.

Jurwa

In the afternoon, the committee met with the Jurwa Aftercare and Recovery Centre.  Jurwa has been operating in Paro for past 14 years and has been focusing on supporting individuals who have completed the rehabilitation treatment.   In the year 2024, Jurwa provided services to over 70 individuals.

Tenzin Academy

The committee met with the students and faculty to get their perspectives on the issue.

Students and staff shared similar concerns on the growing cases and vulnerabilities of children due to easy accessibility as well as suggestions on how to address the issue of substance abuse in the country.

The full findings will be shared in the upcoming summer session. This tour was made possible with the support of UNICEF.