Health Dept takes Anti-Drug Outreach to Ferozeshah, Talwandi Bhai; Urges treatment over social stigma
Ferozepur, November 5, 2026: Stepping up grassroots efforts against drug abuse, the Health Department organised special awareness and counselling camps at Out-Patient Opioid Assisted Treatment - OOAT - Centres in Ferozeshah and Talwandi Bhai, calling for early treatment of drug-dependent persons and greater community participation to break the cycle of addiction. The initiative focused on educating people about the devastating impact of drugs and encouraging families to support addicts in seeking medical help and rehabilitation rather than facing social discrimination.
The camps were organised under the Punjab Government’s ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ campaign, following the directions of Deputy Commissioner Deepashikha Sharma and Civil Surgeon Dr. Parminder Singh. Health experts and counsellors educated participants about the physical, mental and social consequences of drug addiction and urged them to adopt a healthy lifestyle.
Dr. Parveen, Medical Officer, said drug addiction not only damages an individual's health but also adversely affects the entire family and society. He stressed that besides government initiatives, active participation from every section of society was essential to build a drug-free Punjab.
He emphasised that people suffering from drug addiction should be treated with compassion rather than discrimination and encouraged to seek treatment and rehabilitation so that they could return to the mainstream of society.
Participants were urged to actively support the anti-drug campaign and cooperate with the government and administration in eliminating the menace. They were also encouraged to approach their nearest OOAT Centre for treatment and counselling in case of any drug-related problem.
Rajwinder Kaur, Counsellor, and ASHA workers Ramandeep Kaur, Saroj Rani and Veena Rani were among those present.