SAS Nagar, September 5:- Punjab Health and Family Welfare, Medical Education & Research Minister, Dr. Balbir Singh, today said that under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government’s ongoing War Against Drugs campaign 'Yudh Nasheya Virudh' is not only curbing drug traffickers but also ensuring free treatment to victims at de-addiction and rehabilitation centres.
The Minister was addressing a gathering during his visit to the Sector 66 De-addiction Centre, Mohali, where he honored youths who have successfully overcome addiction.
Dr. Balbir Singh said that in the coming days, youths recovering from de-addiction and rehabilitation centres, who have shunned drugs and rejoined mainstream society, will be entrusted with greater responsibility. They will act as role models and inspire others struggling with addiction to seek treatment.
He reiterated that treatment at both government and private de-addiction centres is entirely free of cost, with the Punjab Government bearing all expenses. The campaign, he added, goes beyond treatment—skill training is provided to rehabilitated youths so they can restart their lives productively. Courses include mobile repair, plumbing, computers, and fitting trades, enabling them to become earning members for their families have been introduced.
The Minister expressed gratitude to NGOs such as Sun Foundation and others, who are extending vital support in skill training and rehabilitation efforts. He announced that in the coming time, youths who complete skill training after recovery will be supported through self-employment loan schemes, including seed money and subsidies, to help them establish livelihoods. High-value agriculture training, salon work, cooking, computer training, mobile repair, data entry, accounting, and other courses are also being provided.
Special facilities are being arranged for women and minors at de-addiction centres, ensuring that no section of society is deprived of treatment.
Highlighting the progress, Dr. Balbir Singh noted that where only 5–10 patients were once admitted at Mohali’s de-addiction centre, the number has now risen to 55. He cited the example of a person who returned from Russia to admit his child for treatment, underlining the importance of creating a drug-free and rehabilitative environment within Punjab itself.
During the visit, the Minister interacted with families of patients and received feedback on the treatment process. Parents expressed gratitude to the Punjab Government for providing free treatment, which has greatly helped them rescue their children from the menace of drugs.
Dr. Balbir Singh also felicitated five youths who successfully completed treatment and skill training as a part of rehabilitation at the Sector 66, Nasha Mukti Kendra, urging them to motivate other youths to seek help, thereby contributing to building a healthy and vibrant Punjab.
On this occasion, hygiene kits sponsored by Swaraj Company were distributed to patients, along with inspirational T-shirts provided by the District Red Cross Society.
Deputy Commissioner Komal Mittal, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Rural Development) Sonam Chaudhary, OSD to Health Minister Shaleen Mitra, SP (Investigation) Saurav Jindal, District Family and Planning Officer Dr. Tamanna, psychiatrists, counselors, and other staff of the de-addiction centre were also present.