Jalandhar, August 14, 2025 (Yes Punjab News)
Under the state government’s flagship Yudh Nashian Virudh initiative, Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Balbir Singh today called upon entire medical professionals including doctors, paramedics, and nursing students to play as a catalyst to realise the vision of a drug-free Punjab.
He was addressing the valedictory function of the first-ever induction training on the management of substance use disorder, conducted at Punjab Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) for medical officers.
The Minister urged medical professionals to adopt one drug addict each, with the goal of rehabilitating them and steering Punjab towards the “Rangla Punjab” as envisioned by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann.
Terming this training a “path-breaking initiative,” Dr. Balbir Singh said the programme, designed by AIIMS and modified by Punjab Government, was part of a comprehensive strategy to counter the misuse of all drug substances, empowering medical professionals to respond effectively to the menace.
He informed that under Yudh Nashian Virudh, the Punjab Government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, had established a Data Analysis and Technical Support Unit to further strengthen the anti-drug campaign.
Highlighting infrastructural strides, he said the state now has over 5,000 beds for drug patients and operates 547 OOATS clinics serving more than 10 lakh registered patients. Dr. Singh further stated that the government would soon recruit as many as 243 psychologists to enhance counselling facilities across Punjab.
He added that de-addiction and rehabilitation centres were being integrated under one roof, while skill development programmes had successfully mainstreamed over 800 rehabilitated drug users. He said that this Multi-pronged strategy will result into drug free Punjab.
The Minister also distributed certificates to participating medical officers. Among those present were SDM Randeep Heer, Civil Surgeon Dr. Gurmeet Lal, PIMS Director Principal Dr. Rajiv Arora, and several medical professionals.
Earlier, responding to media persons, the Minister said that Punjab Government new health insurance scheme will provide over 65 lakh families with access to free-of-cost healthcare services up to ten lakh each family. He termed this unique initiative a revolutionary step to further strengthen healthcare facilities in the state.
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