Adopt drug addict, minister tells docs

Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh on Wednesday called on doctors, paramedics, and nursing students to play as a catalyst to realise the vision of a drug-free Punjab.

He was addressing a valedictory function of the first-ever induction training on the management of substance use disorder, conducted at Punjab Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) for medical officers. The minister urged medical professionals to adopt one drug addict each, with the goal of rehabilitating them.

Terming this training a “path-breaking initiative,” Dr Balbir Singh said the programme, designed by AIIMS and modified by the Punjab Government, was part of a comprehensive strategy to counter the misuse of all drug substances, empowering medical professionals to respond effectively to the menace. He said a Data Analysis and Technical Support Unit had been established to further strengthen the anti-drug campaign.

The minister said the state now had over 5,000 beds for drug patients and operated 547 OOATS clinics serving more than 10 lakh registered patients. Dr Singh further stated that the government would soon recruit 243 psychologists to enhance counselling facilities across Punjab.

He added that de-addiction and rehabilitation centres were being integrated under one roof, while skill development programmes had mainstreamed over 800 rehabilitated drug users. He said the multi-pronged strategy will result into drug free Punjab.

The minister also distributed certificates to participating medical officers. Among those present were SDM Randeep Heer, Civil Surgeon Dr. Gurmeet Lal, PIMS Director Principal Dr. Rajiv Arora, and several medical professionals.

Earlier, responding to mediapersons, the minister said the Punjab Government new health insurance scheme will provide over 65 lakh families with access to free-of-cost healthcare services.

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BOX: Youth Cong leader detained

During the minister's visit, Youth Congress leader Angad Dutta was detained at his place in Defence Colony. He has been raising concern over the issue of less internship amount being paid to the MBBS interns at the PIMS as compared to other government and private medical colleges in the state. He had plans to meet the Health Minister on the issue but was not allowed to step out by the police till the time the minister was in town.