Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Balbir Singh reaffirmed the government's commitment to eradicating drugs from the state. He issued a strong warning, stating, "Drug traffickers will be behind bars or have to leave Punjab."
Speaking to the media after a meeting with officials and managers of government and private drug de-addiction centers at the Government Rehabilitation Centre in Janer, he emphasized that the Punjab government is actively fulfilling the promises made before coming to power. A comprehensive action plan has been devised to make Punjab drug-free, focusing on treating drug users with empathy and helping them reintegrate into society.
He highlighted the "War Against Drugs" campaign, initiated under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, as a key step in eliminating drug abuse. He stressed that eradicating drugs is a collective responsibility, urging people from all sections of society to support the cause. "We have to save our youth, and those leading them astray will not be spared," he added.
The government has adopted a compassionate approach toward drug users, treating them as patients rather than criminals. The first step is to transition users from injections to pills to prevent overdose-related deaths. Eventually, they will be weaned off pills through sports and employment opportunities.
A multi-pronged strategy is being implemented, including job creation, skill development, and rehabilitation programs. "Yesterday, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann handed over job letters to 763 candidates," he shared, adding that vocational training will be provided to those recovering from addiction to help them become self-reliant. A Narcotic Support Group will also be formed, working alongside de-addiction centers, with support from NRIs, NGOs, and religious institutions. Financial assistance will be extended to organizations actively involved in anti-drug efforts.
Eliminating "Chitta" (synthetic drugs) is a top priority. The campaign has received overwhelming support, with citizens expressing gratitude for the government’s relentless efforts in rescuing their loved ones from addiction. Singh urged the people of Punjab to come together to combat this menace.
Appealing to women in particular, he encouraged them to seek help for family members struggling with addiction. "If any family member is trapped in drug abuse, take them to a government de-addiction center to save their life," he said.
He also dismissed any political protection for drug trade, stating that law enforcement is operating without political interference. "Unlike previous governments, no politician has a hand in drug smuggling," he asserted. Assets acquired through drug money will be confiscated and demolished as per legal provisions.
On the healthcare front, he announced that mobile Mohalla Clinic vans will soon be launched across Punjab, offering more than 40 health tests and 125 types of medicines. "In the next two to four months, 71 vans will be operational," he said, adding that 200 new health centers are also being set up. These mobile clinics will visit villages, covering two locations daily, and distribute free medicines.
The minister assured that hospitals are now well-stocked with medicines. "If any government health institution lacks medicines, the Civil Surgeon or SMO will be held accountable," he warned. Patients will no longer be asked to buy medicines from outside.
To enhance specialized healthcare, six centers will be established across Punjab for knee replacement surgeries. Additionally, a Center of Excellence for Dialysis has been launched in Ludhiana with 25 dialysis machines, with another center being developed at Rajindra Hospital under a hub-and-spoke model.
Issuing a strict warning to private drug de-addiction centers, he reminded them that their role is to detoxify patients, not just sell medication. "I will personally monitor these centers, and they will be inspected regularly," he declared. Any private de-addiction center found selling narcotic pills outside its premises will face strict action.
During the visit, he also gathered information about psychiatrists employed at private de-addiction centers.
The event was attended by Moga MLA Amandeep Kaur Arora, Deputy Commissioner Sagar Setia, SSP Ajay Gandhi, Moga Municipal Corporation Mayor Baljit Singh Channi, Additional Deputy Commissioners Jagwinderjit Singh Grewal and Charumita, SDM Dharamkot Himanshu Gupta, District Psychiatrist Charanpreet Singh Brar, Moga Market Committee Chairman Harjinder Singh Rode, and other officials.