Students at Sharmanov National Medical University saw how a single wrong decision can change a person’s life. Through a video link, they met people convicted of drug trafficking.

The discussion brought together staff from the Department of the Penitentiary System for Astana, representatives of the Police Department’s Drug Crime Prevention Unit, and Mirzada Seitkali, secretary for the prevention of drug-related offences.

The central part of the meeting was an online conversation with a convicted individual. He shared his personal story and spoke about the consequences of drug use and distribution. Behind the legal terminology, students saw a real person’s life and the lasting impact of decisions whose consequences can follow someone for years.

The meeting took the form of an open dialogue. Students discussed personal responsibility, respect for the law, and how to avoid becoming involved in the illegal drug trade.

For future healthcare professionals, this issue also has professional significance. Their work will involve helping people whose health and lives have been affected by addiction. Understanding the problem, being able to discuss it openly, and taking part in prevention efforts are therefore important from their student years.