"War Against Drugs"
485 beds arranged at Ferozepur De-addiction Centers - Dr. Balbir Singh
Ferozepur Strengthens Anti-Drug Campaign: 485 new beds at De-addiction Centers, strict action against misuse warned
Ferozepur, April 27, 2025:As part of the Punjab Government’s ongoing "War Against Drugs" campaign, large-scale arrangements have been made in de-addiction centers across the state for the treatment of drug-affected individuals. In Ferozepur district alone, 485 beds have been made available, announced Punjab Health and Family Welfare, Medical Education and Research, and Elections Minister Dr. Balbir Singh during a review meeting held at the Deputy Commissioner's office.
The meeting was attended by Ferozepur City MLA Ranbir Singh Bhullar, Ferozepur Rural MLA Rajneesh Kumar Dahiya, Guru Har Sahai MLA Fauja Singh Sarari, Zira MLA Naresh Kataria, Deputy Commissioner Deepashikha Sharma, and SSP Bhupinder Singh Sidhu, among others.
Dr. Balbir Singh emphasized that under the leadership of Aam Aadmi Party's National Convener Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, arrangements for 5,000 additional beds have been made across the state. In Ferozepur district specifically, 485 beds are now ready to facilitate the treatment of individuals battling addiction.
The Health Minister also shared that skill development courses are being introduced at de-addiction centers to help recovering individuals reintegrate into society and lead better lives. Alongside, yoga classes and various sports activities will be organized for patients.
He further directed officials to intensify awareness activities at the school level to curb the increasing trend of drug addiction, and informed that sports grounds, gyms, and parks are being developed in rural areas to encourage youth to stay away from drugs and engage in healthy activities.
In addition, Dr. Balbir Singh instructed officials from the local government, health, rural development, water supply, and sanitation departments to immediately launch activities to prevent diseases caused by mosquitoes and contaminated water. He stressed on regular cleaning of drinking water tanks in schools and ordered fogging operations to prevent dengue, chikungunya, and malaria.
He directed all departments to accelerate the “Dengue Friday Campaign” and to ensure cleanliness in their respective offices. He also advised educating children in schools about dengue larvae to help identify and destroy larvae at home. The Minister emphasized increasing water sample testing in cities and villages to prevent jaundice outbreaks, and mentioned the use of food safety vans to ensure the availability of quality food products in urban and rural areas.
Prior to the meeting, Dr. Balbir Singh visited the de-addiction center at the Civil Hospital and interacted with admitted patients to review the healthcare facilities being provided.
Speaking to the media after the meeting, Dr. Balbir Singh warned that strict action would be taken against individuals who misuse government-supplied medicines by selling them. He stated that those caught would not only face police action but also be deprived of government benefits.
Present during the event were SDM Gurmeet Singh, Divya P., Assistant Commissioner Simranjit Singh, Civil Surgeon Dr. Rajwinder Kaur, and other senior officials from various departments.