Punjab to Lead Global Effort in Drug Rehabilitation, Says Dr. Balbir Singh
Inaugurates Upgraded Nasha Mukti Kendra in Mohali with Enhanced Facilities for Recovery
SAS Nagar, May 1, 2025 – In a significant step towards its fight against drug addiction, the Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab government has inaugurated an upgraded "Nasha Mukti Kendra" in Mohali's Sector 66. The center now boasts a bed capacity of 100, with plans to further expand to 200 by adding another floor. The facility also includes skill training courses, supported by the Sun Foundation, to help drug addicts lead independent and dignified lives post-rehabilitation.
Dr. Balbir Singh, Punjab's Health and Family Welfare Minister, formally inaugurated the revamped center, which aims to provide comprehensive treatment and rehabilitation to those battling addiction. He was joined by Vikramjit Singh Sahney, Member of Rajya Sabha and patron of the Sun Foundation, and Kulwant Singh, MLA of SAS Nagar.
In his address, Dr. Singh highlighted that under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and with guidance from AAP National Convener Arvind Kejriwal, Punjab is poised to become a global leader in the fight against drugs. He stressed that drug abuse is a worldwide issue, and the state government is committed to combating it with a multi-faceted approach.
“Along with the strong enforcement campaign 'Yudh Nasheya Virudh,' which has successfully disrupted the drug supply chain, we are now focusing on strengthening treatment and rehabilitation efforts,” said Dr. Singh. He added that the state's bed capacity for de-addiction services has been increased from 1,500 to 5,000, with plans for more expansion. The newly upgraded center in Mohali, which includes essential skill-building programs, is part of this broader effort.
The skill courses at the Mohali center include computer training, mobile repair, cooking, electrician courses, organic gardening, as well as recreational activities such as gym facilities and sports areas.
Dr. Singh also praised the Sun Foundation for its role in supporting the rehabilitation process by offering skill training at 19 government-run de-addiction centers across the state, starting with locations in Amritsar and Jalandhar.
In addition, he announced that the number of OOAT (now Nasha Mukti Dawai Kendra) centers has increased to 565, with the digitization of the records for medication distribution.
The Health Minister also noted the positive response from private medical colleges, which have agreed to offer 1,200 treatment slots for de-addiction patients. Currently, Punjab has about 2,500 patients undergoing treatment at various de-addiction centers, with a total bed capacity of 5,000.
Dr. Singh called for continued collaboration with NGOs and medical institutions in the collective fight against drug abuse, stressing that Punjab is committed to eradicating narco-terrorism and gangsterism, which have long plagued the state.
Vikramjit Singh Sahney expressed his gratitude to the Punjab government for involving the Sun Foundation in this critical initiative, emphasizing the foundation’s commitment to empowering youth and helping them lead healthy, dignified lives.
MLA Kulwant Singh also thanked the Health Minister for selecting the Mohali center for upgrades and the introduction of skill training courses.
Following the ceremony, Dr. Singh, Sahney, and Kulwant Singh visited the Nasha Mukti Kendra, interacted with the residents, and assured them of ongoing support for their recovery journey. The dignitaries also planted saplings in the center's kitchen garden to encourage the residents to engage in sustainable farming practices.
Among those present were Raman Behal, Chairman of Punjab Health System Corporation; Maninderjit Singh Ghanaur, Vice Chairman; Kumar Rahul, Principal Secretary of Health and Family Welfare; Basant Garg, Secretary; Sonam Chaudhary, ADC; and Dr. Sangita Jain, Civil Surgeon.