Renovated at Rs 1.13 cr, modern de-addiction centre opened

Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh along with MP Dr Vikramjit Singh Sahney and MLA Balkar Singh today dedicated the newly renovated Model Drug De-Addiction and Rehabilitation Centre at village Seikhe in Jalandhar. Revamped at Rs 1.13 crore, the centre has been equipped with ultra-modern facilities to ensure comprehensive treatment and rehabilitation of drug-affected persons.

Accompanied by Deputy Commissioner Dr Himanshu Aggarwal and Commissioner of Police Dhanpreet Kaur, the minister said the centre would focus not only on medical treatment, but also on keeping inmates engaged in constructive activities throughout the day. Integrated with a skill development hub in collaboration with the Sun Foundation, the facility will provide training in mobile repair, salon services, cooking, computer literacy, electrician courses, and sports-related skills like football and cricket ball stitching.

The centre is also equipped with a detoxification ward, emergency care, counselling sessions, employment cell, legal aid services, library, indoor and outdoor games, ultra-modern gymnasium, yoga, meditation, music and dance therapy, and air-conditioned wards.

The minister stressed that the programme has been designed to keep patients fully engaged — from morning prayers to gym exercises, skill classes, games, and recreational activities — ensuring holistic recovery.

Speaking on the progress of the state’s flagship 'Yudh Nashian Virudh' campaign, Dr Balbir Singh revealed that since March 2025, more than 18,000 individuals have overcome drug addiction, with over 6,000 securing employment or self-employment opportunities. He reiterated that the government, under Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, is pursuing a multi-pronged strategy against drugs — combining strict action against peddlers with strengthening of rehabilitation infrastructure.

Dr Sahney, MP and Chairman of the Sun Foundation, announced that all 23 district-level de-addiction centres will be upgraded, with four new centres to be established and 19 revamped. He said over 300 youths would undergo skill training at Jalandhar’s new centre alone.

The dignitaries toured the facility, interacted with inmates, appreciated the Jalandhar administration for establishing a modern, model centre aimed at giving patients a new lease of life.

Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner Dr Himanshu Aggarwal welcomed dignitaries upon their arrival here and apprised them the progress of anti-drug activities under Yudh Nashian Virudh.