Punjab pushes women to the forefront in fight against drug menace

In a significant step towards tackling Punjab’s drug crisis, the state government held a Stakeholder Consultation to explore ways to empower women in the battle against substance abuse. The initiative aligns with Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s directive to strengthen the state's anti-drug efforts.

The consultation, chaired virtually by Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Balbir Singh, saw participation from district psychiatrists, Punjab Police representatives, and various NGOs. The workshop, held at the Directorate of Health Services, aimed at increasing women's involvement in supporting affected family members and improving access to rehabilitation services.

"Women can play a vital role in identifying, preventing, and helping individuals recover from drug addiction. Under CM Bhagwant Singh Mann’s leadership, we are taking strong action against drug peddlers, but rehabilitation is equally crucial to prevent youth from falling into addiction," Dr. Singh emphasized.

Punjab Police’s New Outreach Initiative

Special DGP (Community Affairs Division) Gurpreet Kaur Deo announced that Punjab Police will soon launch a women-centric outreach program to engage and empower them in combating the drug menace.

"Women can be a powerful force in this fight, and we want to equip them with the knowledge and resources to make a difference," she said.

Strengthening Rehabilitation Services

Director of Health Services, Dr. Hitinder Kaur, instructed Civil Surgeons, Psychiatrists, and de-addiction service providers to integrate women into the recovery framework and ensure comprehensive support for affected individuals.

Additionally, Dr. Sandeep Bhola, State Mental Health Officer, and Dr. Manju Bansal, along with Kunal Kishore from Alliance India, underscored the need for community-driven efforts to tackle drug abuse.

The consultation reaffirmed Punjab’s multi-pronged strategy—crackdowns on drug suppliers, rehabilitation programs, and community engagement—to achieve CM Mann’s vision of a ‘Rangla Punjab’—a vibrant, drug-free state.