Health Minister Balbir : In a significant step to address the specific challenges faced by women battling substance abuse under the ongoing anti-drug campaign ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’,
Punjab Health Minister Balbir Singh on Monday introduced the ‘One Stop Integrated Program for Women who use Drugs’ in Kapurthala and Amritsar districts as part of its initial rollout. This initiative is a joint effort of the Punjab Health Department and the Punjab Police’s Community Affairs Division.
Explaining the vision behind the project, Dr. Singh said it will be known as the “Punjab Model for Women Drug Users” and is designed to deliver a holistic and compassionate health response across the state. He stressed that women face distinct challenges compared to men—such as different patterns of drug use, higher overdose mortality, and greater chances of relapse after treatment.
Sharing details of the Kapurthala pilot, Dr. Singh highlighted that 241 women drug users were registered and provided with an integrated healthcare package, including medical, surgical, and gynecological services, maternal and child care, harm reduction facilities, as well as testing and treatment for HIV, Hepatitis B & C, tuberculosis, and STIs. Counselling was also offered. Importantly, 81 women were connected to OOAT clinics for treatment, while 80 others received support through social security schemes. Among four pregnant women registered, three successfully delivered healthy babies.
Reiterating the government’s focus on rehabilitation, Dr. Singh remarked, “Addiction is a disease, not a crime. We must treat patients with compassion and equip them with skills for a dignified return to society.” He also underlined the crucial role women can play in guiding their families towards recovery.
Regarding its expansion, Minister Balbir Singh said the Kapurthala pilot would act as a training hub for scaling the model statewide. In the first phase, the program will be piloted in Kapurthala and Amritsar, with plans to extend it to all districts once proven successful.
Special DGP (Community Affairs Division) Gurpreet Kaur Deo welcomed the collaboration, noting that women who use drugs often hesitate to seek treatment due to stigma and the near absence of women-specific healthcare facilities. She explained that this initiative seeks to close that gap, with the Punjab Police’s Community Affairs Division funding the pilot projects in Amritsar and Kapurthala as part of community policing.
The program underscores the government’s strong commitment to not only curb the drug supply-demand chain but also to ensure a healthier future for its citizens.
The event was attended by Principal Secretary Health Kumar Rahul, Director Health and Family Welfare Dr. Hitinder Kaur, Deputy Director Dr. Rohini Goyal, and Nodal Officer Mental Health Dr. Sandeep Bhola.