SAS Nagar, October 13: Patients at the district drug de-addiction center (Now known as Nasha Mukti Kendra ) have displayed their skills this time too on the occasion of the upcoming Diwali festival. They have prepared Diyas (Earthen oil lamp) with their hands and a special public sale counter has been set up outside the Nasha Mukti Kendra complex in Sector 66 here.
Divulging the details, Civil Surgeon Dr Sangeeta Jain and Kendra In-charge Dr Pooja Garg said that along with the physical activities, various vocational courses are also being conducted for the patients admitted in the center. Notably, the Punjab government had started a skill development drive for drug patients some time back, under which vocational courses like Fast food making, mobile and other appliances repair, preparation of daily-use items etc are being conducted.
Dr. Jain said that the purpose of conducting these courses is that the patients can keep themselves busy through maximum physical activities and get rid of the disease of drug addiction. Moreover, when patients recover and return home, they can be well rehabilitated and be able to earn their own living.
The civil surgeon further said that whatever income is generated from the sale of these lamps, it is spent only on meeting the needs of the patients. Dr Jain said that the medical examination, treatment, food and accommodation for the patients at the Nasha Mukti Kendra are absolutely free. 
She said that under the Punjab Government's campaign "Yudh Nasheyan Virudh ", the District Health Department is fully committed to eradicating the addiction of drugs and any person desirous of quitting drugs can visit the nearest government health facility or can share their problem on the health department's medical helpline 104 for further treatment. She also urged people to visit the stall and buy diyas so that the patients' morale can be boosted.