Rawalpindi Medical University Smoke-Free Policy

1.1 Health and Social Risks

Drug abuse and smoking pose serious risks to human health and the social life of the community and have significant economic and environmental costs.

1.2 Global Drug Situation

According to UNODC's 2020 World Drug Report, over 35 million people suffered from drug abuse consequences in 2018. Cannabis remains the most commonly used drug globally.

1.3 Tobacco Health Impact

WHO documents that more than 8 million people die each year from tobacco use, with 1.2 million deaths from passive smoking alone.

1.4 Legal Framework

Federal Government has enacted:

• Control of Narcotics Substance Act, 1997
• Drugs Act, 1976
• Prohibition of Smoking and Protection of Non-smokers Health Ordinance, 2002

1.5 Rawalpindi Medical University Mandate

This policy is implemented by Rawalpindi Medical University to maintain a safe and healthy environment for all students, faculty, and staff.

2.1 Coverage

This policy covers all campuses and facilities of Rawalpindi Medical University and is applicable to:

• Students
• Faculty
• Staff
• Visitors (including individuals associated with outsourced services)

2.2 Applicable Locations

The policy applies in all premises of Rawalpindi Medical University including:

• Campus areas
• Classrooms
• Hostels
• Play grounds
• Libraries
• Laboratories
• Cafeterias
• Transport vehicles

3.1 Committee Constitution

Rawalpindi Medical University shall constitute an "Anti-Drug & Tobacco Committee" comprising of five members duly notified by the Vice Chancellor/Rector.

3.2 Composition

• Director Student Affairs or senior university officer as Chair
• Two faculty members (one male and one female)
• At least one student representative
• One representative from psychological wellbeing committee/medical center
• One staff member as secretary

3.3 Roles and Responsibilities

• Investigate drug usage, consumption, sale and distribution
• Resolve matters regarding violation of Anti-Tobacco Legislation
• Coordinate rehabilitative services including counselling
• Raise awareness on drug abuse and tobacco consumption
• Provide advice on policy implementation
• Coordinate with relevant stakeholders
• Maintain liaison with hostel wardens
• Arrange testing of accused from authorized laboratories

3.4 Focal Person

The administrative member of ADTC shall be appointed as Focal Person for liaison and support services.

4.1 Mandatory Actions

Rawalpindi Medical University must undertake efforts to prevent drug abuse, smoking and illicit smoking as facilitated by the ADTC and Focal Person.

4.2 Awareness Raising

Rawalpindi Medical University must ensure awareness of legal and disciplinary penalties for drug possession, distribution and sale.

4.3 Awareness Strategies

• Mandatory orientation sessions for new students and staff
• Signed undertakings from all faculty, staff and students
• Distribution of awareness materials through handbooks and pamphlets
• Display of warnings and penalties on department notice boards
• Awareness campaigns, seminars, walks and workshops
• Mandatory e-courses through Rawalpindi Medical University's training programs

4.4 Activities and Programs

Students must be encouraged to participate in healthy engagements:

• Extra and co-curricular activities
• Community service and volunteer work
• Fitness, exercise, sports and athletic activities
• Recognition for outstanding contributions
• Recreational events without drug and tobacco use

4.5 Student Engagement

Student societies and organizations should be engaged in awareness activities, with collaboration from governmental and non-governmental organizations.

5.1 Support Provision

Rawalpindi Medical University should ensure that students, faculty, and staff facing drug and/or tobacco addiction/dependence are provided with adequate support.

5.2 On-Campus Professionals

A counsellor, psychologist, or psychiatrist available at Rawalpindi Medical University shall help students, staff and faculty members by guiding them through problems that may lead to drug and tobacco consumption.

5.3 Parent Coordination

Rawalpindi Medical University shall endeavor to coordinate with parents of affected students for purposes of helping with rehabilitation and facilitating their return to studies.

5.4 Helpline

Rawalpindi Medical University shall establish a helpline staffed by trained counsellors and volunteers that students, faculty and staff can call for mental health issues or temptations to use drugs/tobacco.

5.5 De-stigmatization

All those who seek support for drug or tobacco dependence will receive counselling on a confidential basis, with medical attention cases promptly informing parents.

6.1 Regular Inspection

Campus security shall undertake frequent and random visits to susceptible areas to stop any suspicious and illicit activity.

6.2 Training Programs

Staff and faculty may receive training to understand behavior indicative of drug abuse for appropriate referral to the Focal Person.

6.3 Complaint Submission

Any person associated with Rawalpindi Medical University may submit a written complaint to the Vice Chancellor regarding drug abuse, illicit smoking, or unlawful sale/distribution of drugs/tobacco.

6.4 Confidentiality

The identity of the whistle blower/complainant shall be kept confidential.

6.5 Investigation Process

• Initial scrutiny of complaints
• Non-frivolous complaints investigated by ADTC
• Evidence collection (eye witness, physical evidence, video recordings)
• Personal hearings with accused
• Random testing/checking by campus security

6.6 Decision and Appeal

All complaints shall be decided by ADTC within one month, with appeals possible to the Vice Chancellor/Rector within seven working days.

6.7 False Complaints

False allegations made with mala fide intent may result in disciplinary action against the complainant.

7.1 Drug Abuse Penalties

Violation Type	Penalty
First-time offenders (minor infractions)	Referral to in-house counsellor/psychologist for medical and mental health treatment
Significant and/or repeated violations	Warning, suspension or expulsion (with parental notification for students)
Distribution or sale of illicit drugs	Report to appropriate authorities including law enforcement agencies
Visitors engaging in drug-related offenses	Immediate reporting to appropriate authorities

7.2 Smoking Penalties

Violation	Penalty
First violation	Warning letter and notice of displeasure
Second violation	Suspension for one week or more (with parental notification for students)
Third or more violations	Longer suspension depending on severity
Visitor smoking on premises	Fine of Rs. 1,000 and further action per Anti-Tobacco Legislation
Unlawful sale/distribution of tobacco	Fine of Rs. 5,000 and reporting to authorities

8.1 Survey/Feedback Mechanism

An annual anonymous survey shall be conducted with students and staff regarding matters covered under this policy.

8.2 Compliance Reports

Rawalpindi Medical University must submit annual compliance reports along with survey reports by December 31st of each year to the university administration.

8.3 Implementation Timeline

• Establish ADTC and designate Focal Person
• Arrange for on-campus counsellor/psychologist/psychiatrist or helpline
• Submit statements of compliance to university administration

8.4 University Weightage

Rawalpindi Medical University administration may assign weightage to compliance with this policy in departmental evaluations and performance assessments.