Latest news with #Districts
CTV News
12-08-2025
- Health
- CTV News
Public health warns of rising drug poisonings in Sudbury district
Public Health Sudbury & Districts has issued a drug warning following a spike in poisonings and unexpected reactions to substances in the Sudbury and Manitoulin districts. The alert, issued Monday, cites concerns over contaminated street drugs but notes that 'the cause of the increase is unknown.' Officials warn that substances may be mixed with dangerous additives, including benzodiazepines – often referred to as benzos – xylazine, medetomidine, fentanyl or carfentanil. Public Health Sudbury and Districts An undated photo of the Public Health Sudbury & Districts building on Paris Street in Greater Sudbury, Ont. (File photo/CTV News) Contaminated substances circulating A 'pink rock-like substance' reportedly being sold as fentanyl has been linked to prolonged sedation in the region. Health officials urge caution, particularly due to the risk of benzos and tranquilizers, which can cause extended unconsciousness. Pink fentanyl Authorities warn the presence of fentanyl and other potent substances that can cause injury or death are increasing in our communities. A photo of fentanyl in its powdered form that has been dyed pink is shown. (File photo/Supplied/Nishnawbe Aski Police Service) If you come across someone sedated, Public Health Sudbury & Districts advises: Move them to a safe, warm, dry place. Stay with them and monitor their condition. Ensure limbs aren't restricted. Provide rescue breaths if breathing is impaired. How to prevent poisonings Drug poisonings occur when the body can't handle a substance's effects, leading to unconsciousness, seizures, or death. Public Health recommends: Carry naloxone – a free kit can be picked up from Public Health, the Réseau ACCESS Network, local pharmacies. For more information on where to find naloxone kits, visit ( Information on how to use naloxone can be found here . ) ) Avoid mixing substances, including alcohol, prescriptions and street drugs. Start with a lower dose and use slowly. Don't use alone – have a trusted person present or connect with a virtual safe consumption service like the National Overdose Response Service at 1-888-688-6677 or the Brave App. Responding to an overdose If a drug poisoning occurs: Call 911 immediately and stay with the person. Administer naloxone – it's safe even if opioids aren't involved. Place an unconscious person in the recovery position. Recognizing poisoning symptoms Health officials say that symptoms vary by substances. Opioid poisoning: Bluish, purple, or greyish skin/lips Dizziness, confusion, or inability to stay awake Choking, gurgling or snoring sounds Slow, weak or no breathing Benzodiazepine toxicity: Extreme drowsiness or unconsciousness Poor balance or slurred speech Blackouts and memory loss Public Health urges the community to share the warning to help reduce risks.
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Business Standard
09-07-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Centre launches targeted DMF push for aspirational districts initiative
The Union Ministry of Mines on Tuesday launched a focused programme to align District Mineral Foundation (DMF) funds with India's Aspirational Districts initiatives, marking a major shift toward targeted welfare delivery in mining-affected regions. Union Coal and Mines Minister G Kishan Reddy announced that DMFs currently hold over Rs 32,000 crore in Aspirational Districts. He directed district collectors to ensure impactful and timely utilisation of these funds. Speaking at the National DMF Workshop organised in New Delhi, Reddy urged states to implement the new DMF–Aspirational Districts convergence programme in '100 per cent saturation mode' across key areas such as health, nutrition, education, agriculture and rural infrastructure. 'District collectors have to prepare an action plan and spend the funds on impactful projects in a time-bound manner,' the minister said. The Centre's push for convergence seeks to align DMF planning and implementation with central flagship schemes such as Jal Jeevan Mission, Ayushman Bharat and the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, in line with guidelines under the Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojana (PMKKKY). 'DMF has to be seen as a development mission,' said Reddy. Through project status tracking, transparency will be ensured. With forest-based livelihood investments, DMF implementation must advance inclusive and sustainable development, he added. Highlighting India's broader developmental trajectory, the minister noted that between 2011 and 2023, over 17 crore people came out of extreme poverty. Today, India is not only the fourth-largest economy in the world but also the fourth most equal country globally, he said. This change, he added, is the result of inclusive development initiatives launched over the last 11 years. The establishment and vision of DMFs reflect those efforts. The Union minister said over Rs 1 trillion has been deposited in DMFs since their inception, following the 2015 amendment to the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act. Of this, Rs 90,000 crore has been allocated toward various development projects. However, Reddy also flagged serious implementation concerns. 'In many states, funds have been allocated, but projects remain incomplete. DMF funds are being transferred from the affected districts to others,' he said, urging officials to strictly follow guidelines and ensure the funds benefit directly impacted communities. Mine closures Addressing mine closure issues, the minister revealed that although 143 coal mines have been decommissioned, closure activities remain pending. 'District collectors must take responsibility. You must catch the company and ensure that closure work is implemented. For the first time, the government is itself spending money on mine closures,' he said. The workshop, held at the Scope convention centre in New Delhi, brought together state nodal officers, DMF district representatives, and officials from various ministries. The event also saw the launch of operational guidelines for the convergence of DMF with the Aspirational Districts and Aspirational Blocks Programme. Simultaneously, an exhibition of Self-Help Group (SHG) products supported by DMF funds was inaugurated at Handloom Haat, Janpath, where women from mining-affected districts showcased their work. The exhibition will remain open to the public till July 15.
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Business Standard
09-07-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Centre launches targeted DMF push of ₹32,000 cr for aspirational districts
The Union Ministry of Mines on Tuesday launched a focused programme to align District Mineral Foundation (DMF) funds with India's Aspirational Districts initiatives, marking a major shift toward targeted welfare delivery in mining-affected regions. Union Coal and Mines Minister G Kishan Reddy announced that DMFs currently hold over Rs 32,000 crore in Aspirational Districts. He directed district collectors to ensure impactful and timely utilisation of these funds. Speaking at the National DMF Workshop organised in New Delhi, Reddy urged states to implement the new DMF–Aspirational Districts convergence programme in '100 per cent saturation mode' across key areas such as health, nutrition, education, agriculture and rural infrastructure. 'District collectors have to prepare an action plan and spend the funds on impactful projects in a time-bound manner,' the minister said. The Centre's push for convergence seeks to align DMF planning and implementation with central flagship schemes such as Jal Jeevan Mission, Ayushman Bharat and the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, in line with guidelines under the Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojana (PMKKKY). 'DMF has to be seen as a development mission,' said Reddy. Through project status tracking, transparency will be ensured. With forest-based livelihood investments, DMF implementation must advance inclusive and sustainable development, he added. Highlighting India's broader developmental trajectory, the minister noted that between 2011 and 2023, over 17 crore people came out of extreme poverty. Today, India is not only the fourth-largest economy in the world but also the fourth most equal country globally, he said. This change, he added, is the result of inclusive development initiatives launched over the last 11 years. The establishment and vision of DMFs reflect those efforts. The Union minister said over Rs 1 trillion has been deposited in DMFs since their inception, following the 2015 amendment to the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act. Of this, Rs 90,000 crore has been allocated toward various development projects. However, Reddy also flagged serious implementation concerns. 'In many states, funds have been allocated, but projects remain incomplete. DMF funds are being transferred from the affected districts to others,' he said, urging officials to strictly follow guidelines and ensure the funds benefit directly impacted communities. Mine closures Addressing mine closure issues, the minister revealed that although 143 coal mines have been decommissioned, closure activities remain pending. 'District collectors must take responsibility. You must catch the company and ensure that closure work is implemented. For the first time, the government is itself spending money on mine closures,' he said. The workshop, held at the Scope convention centre in New Delhi, brought together state nodal officers, DMF district representatives, and officials from various ministries. The event also saw the launch of operational guidelines for the convergence of DMF with the Aspirational Districts and Aspirational Blocks Programme. Simultaneously, an exhibition of Self-Help Group (SHG) products supported by DMF funds was inaugurated at Handloom Haat, Janpath, where women from mining-affected districts showcased their work. The exhibition will remain open to the public till July 15.
