A 14-year-old has become the youngest individual referred to Saint Giles Hospital for mental health issues stemming from drug abuse. This information was disclosed by St Giles Hospital’s medical superintendent, Dr. Balram Pandit, and highlighted by Inspector Vidya Pillay, the Divisional Crime Prevention North coordinator.
“People are being referred to the rehabilitation hospital due to mental issues arising from drug abuse,” said Inspector Pillay. He emphasized that no age group is immune to the detrimental effects of illicit drugs.
“These statistics reflect policing efforts, but they do not have to define who we are as a society,” he added. Inspector Pillay pointed out that the significant impact of drugs in society is evident, with 17 juveniles being charged with drug-related offenses in the first five months of this year alone. These juveniles, all aged 17 and under, were arrested and brought to court to face charges.