Government approves reorganization of Narcotic, Tobacco and Alcohol Control Department

The Lithuanian government has approved a proposal by the Ministry of Health to reorganize the Narcotic, Tobacco and Alcohol Control Department (NTAKD), as reported by LRT.

The Cabinet of Ministers has tasked the ministry with preparing and submitting draft laws related to the department’s reorganization by August 1. According to ministry documents, the reforms aim to consolidate analytical capabilities and create a unified center for public health data analysis.

The reorganization seeks to clarify policy formation, methodological guidance, and control functions, as well as enable faster responses to public health threats. The ministry states that eliminating redundant coordination with four ministries and consolidating administrative functions—such as IT, personnel, and accounting—could reduce state expenses by 20–30%. Savings would be redirected to increase salaries for public health specialists.

The NTAKD is a government agency responsible for coordinating the implementation and prevention of psychoactive substance use reduction policies, as well as regulating and supervising the use of psychoactive substances and their precursors in economic activities.