Taking a firm stance against drugs, Punjab Health Minister Balbir Singh delivered a strong message: “Drug traffickers will either be jailed or forced to leave Punjab.”
Speaking to the media after a meeting with officials and managers of government and private drug de-addiction centers at the Government Rehabilitation Centre in village Janer, he emphasized that the Punjab government is actively fulfilling the promises made to the people before coming to power. A comprehensive action plan has been formulated to make the state drug-free, with drug users receiving compassionate treatment to reintegrate them into society.
Minister Balbir highlighted the “War Against Drugs” campaign led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, which aims to eradicate drugs with the support of all sections of society. He stressed the importance of saving Punjab’s youth and ensuring that those responsible for leading them astray face strict action.
Minister Balbir assured that drug users will be treated as patients, not criminals. The first step will be to transition addicts from injectable drugs to pills to prevent overdose deaths, followed by efforts to help them quit pills through sports engagement and employment opportunities.
The Punjab government is implementing a multi-faceted approach, including job creation, vocational training for rehabilitated addicts, and establishing a narcotic support group to collaborate with de-addiction centers. The initiative also seeks support from Punjabis, NRIs, NGOs, and religious institutions, with financial aid provided to those involved in these efforts.
Minister Balbir emphasized the need to eliminate “Chitta” (synthetic drugs) from its roots, noting the overwhelming public support for the anti-drug campaign. He encouraged families, especially women, to bring their loved ones struggling with addiction to government-run de-addiction centers for treatment.
Unlike previous administrations, he asserted, no politician is shielding drug traffickers, and law enforcement operates without political interference. Any property acquired through drug money will be demolished as per government regulations.
Addressing the upcoming healthcare initiatives, the Minister announced the launch of mobile Mohalla clinic vans, equipped with over 40 health tests and 125 medicines, with 71 vans set to be deployed within the next few months. These vans will travel from village to village, providing free medicines and healthcare services. Additionally, 200 more health centers are being opened, with hospitals now fully stocked with medicines to eliminate the need for external purchases.
Punjab is also expanding specialized healthcare facilities, including six knee replacement centers and a Center of Excellence for Dialysis in Ludhiana with 25 machines, with another facility under development at Rajindra Hospital.
Minister Balbir issued strict warnings to private drug de-addiction centers, emphasizing that their role is to treat addiction, not merely distribute pills. He assured stringent monitoring and inspections, warning that any center found involved in illegal sale of narcotic pills would face strict action.
The event was attended by Moga MLA Dr. Amandeep Kaur Arora, Deputy Commissioner Sagar Setia, SSP Ajay Gandhi, Mayor Baljit Singh Channi, and other senior officials.