Nawanshahr, November 10 (Jatinder Pal Singh Kaler):- Civil Surgeon Dr. Geetanjali Singh on Tuesday reviewed the functioning of the Government Drug De-addiction Centre, Nawanshahr, its treatment arrangements and the healthcare facilities being provided to patients with drug addiction. She directed all health officials and staff to ensure quality, safe and better treatment for patients.
During the visit, Dr. Geetanjali Singh interacted with patients undergoing treatment at the centre and motivated them to give up drugs. She said that with strong determination, regular treatment and family support, people can overcome drug addiction and return to a healthy life. She also advised patients to complete their treatment and participate regularly in counselling sessions.
The Civil Surgeon also inspected the cleanliness arrangements at the centre. Reviewing the cleanliness of the wards, toilets and surrounding areas, she directed that proper hygiene must be maintained at all times so that patients receive a clean and healthy environment and the risk of infection is minimised.
Civil Surgeon Dr. Geetanjali Singh said that drug addiction is a treatable health condition. To help patients overcome dependence, psychological counselling, family support and regular follow-up are as important as medication. She emphasised that every patient must be treated with empathy, dignity and confidentiality, and treatment should be provided according to the individual's health condition.
She directed the officials and staff to sincerely follow the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and treatment protocols prescribed by the Health Department for the treatment of patients with drug addiction. Medicines must be administered strictly according to the prescribed protocols, and any change in dosage should be made only after consultation with a specialist doctor and assessment of the patient's health.
She said that the primary objective of treatment is to help patients overcome drug dependence and enable them to lead a healthy and dignified life. Therefore, special attention should also be paid to patients' treatment compliance, mental health and social circumstances.
Dr. Geetanjali Singh instructed the staff to maintain proper treatment records for every patient and ensure regular follow-up during and after treatment so that the possibility of relapse can be reduced.
The Civil Surgeon appealed to the public to treat people struggling with drug addiction with empathy and support rather than contempt, as they need care and treatment. Such individuals should be taken to the nearest government health institution or de-addiction centre for appropriate medical assistance. She said that the fight against drugs is a collective responsibility of the entire society, and the Health Department of Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar is providing every possible support to patients with drug addiction in terms of treatment and counselling.
Among others present on the occasion were Deputy Medical Commissioner Dr. Harpreet Singh, Medical Officer Dr. Ramandeep Kumar and other officials and employees of the Health Department.
