Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Balbir Singh announced that the Health Department has launched a new initiative in partnership with the NGO Narcotics Anonymous (NA) to tackle the issue of drug abuse in the state.
The minister shared this information while chairing a meeting with state-level members of the NA and department officials. Minister Balbir Singh added that this important initiative will not only help dispel myths and misconceptions but also promote open and honest discussions about drug addiction, fostering empathy and understanding.
Speaking at the meeting, Minister Balbir Singh stated that drug abuse is an increasing concern in Punjab. He emphasized that it not only causes societal issues but also exposes injectable drug users to more serious diseases, including HIV, HCV, and other communicable diseases like TB.
Minister Balbir Singh stated that the state government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, is leading efforts to provide free de-addiction services in Punjab, with 529 OOAT clinics, 36 treatment centers, and 19 rehabilitation centers now operational. He emphasized the importance of rehabilitation in reducing the relapse rate among drug abuse patients and noted that NA can play a key role in achieving this goal. The Minister added that this collaboration will be crucial in addressing the drug abuse problem in the state.
Highlighting the role of NA, Assistant Director (Mental Health) Dr. Sandeep Bhola mentioned that drug abuse patients are often more open in sharing their thoughts with peers than with their treating doctors. He noted that this is where the peer educators of NA can be highly effective in helping overcome the challenges faced by drug abusers on their path to recovery.
Assistant Director Dr. Manju Bansal and Medical Officer Dr. Harpal Singh also took part in the meeting.
The NA representatives assured the Health Minister of their full cooperation in the efforts to eradicate drug abuse from Punjab.