Narcotics support groups soon: Health Minister
Punjab Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh has urged people to join the state’s anti-drug campaign, ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’, by making it a mass movement through widespread public participation. During his inspection of the drug de-addiction centre at Shaheed Babu Labh Singh Civil Hospital in Jalandhar, he emphasised the need for a multi-pronged approach involving health, police and civil administration to eliminate drug abuse from society.
Addressing the media, Dr Balbir Singh, accompanied by Commissioner of Police Dhanpreet Kaur and Deputy Commissioner Dr Himanshu Aggarwal, revealed that the Punjab Government would establish Narcotics Support Groups at the mohalla and village levels – in keeping with the CM’s campaign against drugs in state. He said these groups will support individuals who have successfully overcome addiction, ensuring they do not relapse. The initiative will include counselling, skill development training and employment assistance.
The minister also outlined plans to rehabilitate first-time drug offenders currently in jails by integrating them into de-addiction programmes, helping them reintegrate into society. Furthermore, he stressed the importance of drug awareness programmes in schools and colleges to prevent youth from falling into substance abuse.
During his visit, Dr Balbir Singh interacted with patients and their families at the de-addiction centre, encouraging them to inspire others to join the programme. He assured full government support in eliminating drugs from Punjab and announced that Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and polytechnic institutes would be roped in to provide career opportunities for recovered individuals.
Dr Balbir Singh also urged the Centre to strengthen anti-drug efforts by implementing advanced anti-drone technology to curb cross-border drug smuggling from Pakistan, stressing that federal support is crucial in Punjab’s fight against narco-terrorism.
Reflecting on three years of the AAP Government in Punjab, the minister highlighted transformative initiatives in health and education, citing the success of Aam Aadmi Clinics and improved public healthcare infrastructure. He mentioned that Aam Aadmi Clinics have served over 2.99 crore patients with 1.20 crore unique patients who have visited these clinics for the first time. Similarly, district hospitals and sub-divisional hospitals have also been strengthened as facilities like x-ray, ultrasound, free of cost medicines have recieved widespread appreciation. Likewise, recruitment in Public Healthcare System has further strengthened healthcare.
