In a significant step towards eradicating drug abuse in Punjab, the state Health and Family Welfare Department, in collaboration with Punjab Police and Alliance India, on Tuesday hosted a Stakeholder Consultation to discuss strategies for empowering women in the fight against drugs. The event, chaired virtually by Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh, saw participation from psychiatrists, Punjab Police representatives, and NGOs.
Dr Balbir highlighted the pivotal role women can play in addressing drug abuse, emphasizing their ability to support family members affected by addiction and guide them toward rehabilitation services. “Women are key to combating this menace and can help families affected by drug use access the necessary resources for recovery,” said Dr Balbir.
Punjab Government remains committed to making the state drug-free by prioritizing strong actions against drug peddlers, expanding rehabilitation programs, and focusing on integrated health services for those affected, said Dr Balbir, urging all stakeholders to unite and work towards achieving the vision of ‘Rangla Punjab’, free from the grip of drug abuse.
The state’s Special DGP (Community Affairs Division) Gurpreet Kaur Deo stressed the importance of women’s involvement in the initiative, announcing that the Punjab Police would soon launch an outreach program aimed at empowering women to combat the drug crisis. “We believe women can be a powerful force in this fight, and we want to support them in this critical role,” she stated.
At the same time, Director of Health Services Dr Hitinder Kaur called for the prioritization of integrated health services, particularly in the inclusion of women in rehabilitation efforts. Experts like Dr Sandeep Bhola, Assistant Director and State Mental Health Officer; and Dr Manju Bansal from Alliance India, echoed the need for women’s active participation in rehabilitation and de-addiction programs, emphasizing their critical role in supporting individuals through recovery.