Docs welcome govt’s move to empanel private psychiatrists

The shortage of psychiatrists and counsellors at government-run de-addiction centres is posing challenges for both patients and doctors.

As the state government intensifies its fight against drug abuse, the lack of mental health specialists makes the task even more difficult.

To address this shortage of health experts, the Punjab government has decided to empanel private doctors, a move that has been welcomed by healthcare professionals. With additional psychiatrists joining the system, doctors hope to see some relief from their overwhelming workload.

Currently, only 60 psychiatrists across Punjab cater to nearly 10 lakh registered drug addicts in 529 government-run Outpatient Opioid Assisted Treatment (OOAT) centres, 32 de-addiction centres, and 18 rehabilitation centres.

The Civil Hospital houses a 10-bed de-addiction centre with just two psychiatrists and one psychologist.

Ludhiana has 40 OOAT clinics, but half on them are without counsellors.

A psychiatrists from the district shared that they are overburdened with routine OPDs and other works which include inspections and conducts dope tests of those who seek arms licences.

When asked about the shortage of psychiatrists, Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh, said, “The department is aware about the shortage of psychiatrists. We are already working on it and planning to empanel private psychiatrists to overcome the shortage”.