Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh
Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Balbir Singh on Saturday said that more than 90,000 drug-affected individuals have been connected with de-addiction, treatment, and rehabilitation programs under the state’s “War Against Drugs” campaign bringing renewed hope to thousands of families.
Launched on March 1, 2025, by the Punjab Government, the special campaign aims not only to take strict action against drug traffickers but also to help individuals trapped in addiction return to a normal life through treatment, counselling, and rehabilitation. Officials said this dual strategy is showing positive results across the state.
Dr. Balbir Singh informed that between March 2025 and May 2026, more than 90,000 people were treated at de-addiction centres and Outpatient Opioid Assisted Treatment (OOAT) centres across Punjab. He added that the government’s goal is not just to dismantle the drug supply chain but also to provide every affected person an opportunity for a fresh start.
The minister emphasized that families, schools, and society play a crucial role in the fight against drugs. He urged parents and teachers to closely monitor behavioural changes in children, noting that mood swings, declining academic performance, social withdrawal, secrecy, increased demand for money, and loss of interest in daily activities can be early warning signs of drug use.
He advised parents to maintain open communication with their children and seek expert help immediately in case of suspicion, stressing that timely counselling and medical intervention can help youth break free from addiction.
Officials associated with the campaign said that many beneficiaries have successfully overcome addiction and started new lives through treatment and counselling. They also appreciated government-run de-addiction centres, saying they received dignity, support, and a chance to rebuild their lives.
The Punjab Government reiterated that its anti-drug policy is based on three pillars—de-addiction, rehabilitation, and counselling. The government believes that only through combined efforts of police action, families, educational institutions, health experts, and society can Punjab be made drug-free.
