Minister Dr. Balbir Singh drew a multi-purpose action plan to make Punjab Drug-Free

PATIALA: The Minister of Medical Education and Research of Punjab Dr. Balbir Singh said that a blueprint for de-addiction has been prepared under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to make Punjab drug-free. He also drew a multi-purpose action plan to make the multi-phase campaign against drugs successful in the state through the medical education and health departments. The campaign includes the awareness towards youth for visiting the model drug addiction center of the psychiatry department of Government Rajindra Hospital, Patiala.

Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh said that according to the orders of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, he has decided to conduct a sample survey of school students, youth about the type and use of drugs in the state by adopting a new approach, which will be started from Patiala. He said that the identity and residence of the students and youths who will be included in this survey will be kept confidential, the purpose of which is to free the youth from drugs. He said that drug addicts and injecting persons should be made healthy by providing drug addiction pills systematically.

The Medical Education Minister said that the model de-addiction center of Rajindra Hospital's Department of Psychiatry will also be developed as a training center for all Punjab by making it a center of excellence. He said that there are separate de-addiction wards for women and children.

Dr. Balbir Singh also appealed to the general public, people's representatives and social service organizations to come forward to help the state government for fulfilling the dream of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to make the state 'Rangala Punjab' and to create a drug-free and healthy Punjab. He said that drug addicts should be taken to hospitals and de-addiction centers.

The Minister further said that while the Punjab government is committed to break the supply chain of drugs. The assistance will also be available for self-employment by making the youth skilled. He further said that special grants will also be provided to the Mohalla Committees and Village Panchayats who will support the government for drug addiction recovery.

During his visit, Dr. Balbir Singh met with the youth enrolled in the Model De-Addiction Center and invited them to be a source of inspiration and role models for others by giving up drugs. On this occasion, the head of the department of psychiatry Dr. Rajneesh Kumar gave a presentation and shared information for drug addiction.