Govt to hire retd psychiatrists

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, July 16

Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh on Monday issued instructions to strengthen the anti-drug campaign, including hiring retired government psychiatrists and employment/empanelment of full-time or part-time private psychiatrists to handle the increased flow of patients at the de-addiction centres.

Monitor rehab centres

The CM also asked the health authorities to crack down on centres selling large quantities of buprenorphine or naloxone in violation of the prescribed norms. The Tribune had reported the matter on Friday.

At his weekly review meeting of the Cabinet sub-committee set up to monitor the anti-drug measures, the CM directed the departments concerned to formulate strategies for ensuring security of addicts and their families coming to the de-addiction and rehabilitation centres.

Central grant

The CM asked the Chief Secretary to approach the Union Ministry of Social Empowerment and Justice for grant for setting up more private de-addiction centres in the state.

Ad campaign

Capt Amarinder also asked the health department to involve SDMs, BDPOs and panchayats in awareness programmes. The list of the nearest outpatient opioid assisted treatment (OOAT) centres should be displayed on billboards and hoardings at strategic places across the state, he said.

Youth clubs

Accepting a proposal by the Chief Secretary, the CM asked the sports department to evolve an action plan for the revival of youth clubs in villages and encourage these to regularly organsie kabbadi, volleyball, and hockey tournaments.