Drug de-addiction beds in Punjab to be doubled from 4K to 8K-Dr Balbir Singh
Kanwar Inder Singh/ royalpatiala.in News/ April 23,2025
Punjab Health and Family Welfare and Medical Education Minister, Dr. Balbir Singh, today said that the ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ campaign launched by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann is yielding excellent results. He noted that a growing number of drug addicts are coming forward to seek help, while drug peddlers are facing a major crackdown.
In light of the increasing number of individuals seeking treatment, the Minister announced that preparations are underway to double the capacity of drug de-addiction centers across the state—from the current 4,000 beds to 8,000. Dr. Balbir Singh held a virtual meeting today with all Deputy Commissioners, Senior Superintendents of Police, and Civil Surgeons to review ongoing efforts.
He instructed officials to ensure strict compliance with the Chief Minister’s directions to strengthen infrastructure and expand services at de-addiction centers. “No laxity will be tolerated,” he said.
To safeguard schoolchildren, Health Minister said we have already imposed ban on energy drinks for children. He said such drinks will not be sold within 50 meters of schools in rural areas and 100 meters in urban areas. “This is part of an ongoing awareness campaign to protect our youth from early exposure to harmful substances,” he added.
Dr Balbir Singh also emphasized the need for comprehensive rehabilitation. “Those who have quit drugs will be supported with medicines, mental health counseling, and social reintegration facilities. All de-addiction centers should have access to sports infrastructure, CM Di Yogshalas, and skill centers,” he said. He also directed that arrangements be made, wherever needed, for secure de-addiction centers for prisoners, as per court orders.
To support long-term recovery, Dr. Balbir Singh instructed that Narcotics Anonymous groups be formed in every district. Additionally, drug de-addiction committees and village defense committees are to be strengthened to enhance local-level monitoring and support.
Highlighting the government’s efforts to prevent relapse, Dr. Balbir Singh said, “We are committed to connecting rehabilitated individuals with meaningful employment. Skill development centers, along with playgrounds, libraries, and gyms, are being established in every village to support a healthy lifestyle.”
Principal Secretary Health Dr. Basant Garg, Director Health Services Dr. Hitender Kaur, and all DCs, SSPs, and Civil Surgeons participated in the video conference.
