The district Health Department in Ludhiana is implementing several grassroots initiatives as part of its 'Drug De-addiction Awareness Week' from June 17 to June 26 to support the state government's flagship campaign, 'Yudh Nashian Virudh'. The initiative has garnered considerable public support and aims to educate youth and the public about the harmful effects of drug abuse, encourage them to stay away from addiction, and connect individuals suffering from addiction with treatment, counselling, and rehabilitation services.
Street Plays and Awareness Materials Distributed
On Thursday, the department staged a street play and distributed information, education, and communication material. The public was sensitized to the physical, psychological, social, and economic consequences of drug abuse. Locals were encouraged to adopt a healthy lifestyle, stay away from drugs, and avail themselves of de-addiction services if needed.
Free Counselling and Treatment Available
Civil Surgeon Dr. Ramandeep Kaur stated that drug abuse is among the most serious social and public health challenges of the time, and its eradication requires active participation and cooperation from every section of society. She added that free counselling, treatment, and rehabilitation services are available for individuals willing to quit drugs at the Navjeevan Centre, the Department of Psychiatry, and Outpatient Opioid Assisted Treatment (OOAT) clinics. Experts from the Department of Psychiatry appealed to the public not to conceal cases of substance abuse and to seek timely medical assistance. They stressed that addiction is a treatable medical condition, and complete recovery is possible through proper treatment, effective counselling, and strong family support.
Public Support Crucial: Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian
Cabinet Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian said on Thursday that public support is crucial in making the state drug-free. He was addressing a gathering at the Guru Nanak Dev Bhawan auditorium as part of 'Yudh Nashian Virudh'. "We are breaking the drug supply chain, and seizing and demolishing illegal constructions of drug smugglers. No one involved in the illegal trade will be spared," Mundian warned, highlighting that the state government has adopted a zero-tolerance policy. He said drug addiction ruins entire families and communities, urging sarpanches, panches, youth clubs, and social organizations to step forward and launch awareness drives.
Anonymous Reporting Encouraged
Jagraon Additional Deputy Commissioner Manjit Singh Cheema urged citizens to share information on drug sales with the police or report it anonymously via the Safe Punjab WhatsApp number 9779100200.
