"War Against Drugs"
5000 additional beds to be arranged in de-addiction centres in the state - Dr. Balbir Singh
A state-level helpline number is also to be launched to facilitate drug addicts for treatment
Advocates to provide vocational training, sports and yoga sessions at drug de-addiction centres
HARISH MONGA
Faridkot, April 20, 2025: Health Minister of Punjab Dr. Balbir Singh said that “ Under the Punjab Government’s 'War Against Drugs' campaign, which aims to wipe out drug abuse from the state, the administration has made large-scale recoveries, but arrangements for treatment of drug-affected individuals have also been expanded.
During the Coordination Committee meeting, the health minister was accompanied by Faridkot MLA S. Gurditt Singh Sekhon, Deputy Commissioner Poonamdeep Kaur and SSP Dr. Pragya Jain.
The Health Minister said that under the able leadership of Aam Aadmi Party National Convener Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, 5,000 additional beds have been arranged across the state in de-addiction centers.
Besides that, 300 extra beds will be added in Faridkot’s centres, significantly improving access to treatment for those suffering from drug addiction.
He further said that skill development courses are being introduced in these centres to bring recovering individuals into mainstream society.
Patients will also have access to yoga classes and sports activities. He advocates for comprehensive awareness programs in schools to educate students about the harmful effects of drugs, starting at the grassroots level.
The minister also highlighted that sports grounds, gyms, and parks are being developed in villages to keep rural youth engaged and away from drug abuse.
Additionally, Dr. Balbir Singh directed the departments of Local Government, Health, Rural Development & Panchayats, Water Supply & Sanitation to launch immediate measures to control waterborne diseases.
He instructed officials to ensure regular cleaning of water tanks in schools and called for fogging to prevent dengue, chikungunya, and malaria.
Speaking to the media after the meeting, Dr. Balbir Singh said that “ it was first in the history that the Punjab government implemented a health insurance scheme under which every citizen will be eligible for free treatment up to ₹10 lakh. He stated that this initiative will be rolled out very soon.
Furthermore, he also announced that a state-level helpline number will be launched soon to provide information and support related to de-addiction centres and treatment.
Among those present at the event were Sukhjeet Singh Dhilwan, Chairman of District Planning Board, Gagandeep Singh Dhaliwal, Chairman of Improvement Trust, Chairman Amandeep Singh Baba, Gurtej Singh Khosa, District President AAP, Major Varun, SDM Faridkot, Varinder Singh, SDM Kotkapura, Dr. Neetu Kukkar, Medical Superintendent, GGS Hospital, Principal Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Dr. Paramjit Singh Brar, SMO, Dr. Vishwadeep Singh Goyal and other officials.