In a move towards curbing the drug menace, Punjab Health Department has decided to provide “spiritual treatment” along with the medical cure to the drug addicts in the rehabilitation centers across the state.
“It is observed that youth needs spiritual treatment to generate will power for drug de-addiction as these problems arise at the level of mind, therefore solution also lies at the level of mind,” said the State Health Minister Brahm Mohindra on the sidelines of a function organised by the Yuva Paarivar Sewa Samiti at Jalandhar.
He said that the Punjab Government has destroyed drug supply chain in 47 days rule and now, health department would have to play pro-active role in drug de addiction and rehabilitation.
“The Government is looking for cooperation from religious and social institutions in drug de-addiction and soon a high level meeting would be called in this regard,” he said.
Regarding shortage of medicines at government hospitals, Mohindra said that it was a matter of great concern and keeping in mind the treatment needs of weaker sections of the society, the Government has decided to establish a special fund for the same, which would not be used for any other purpose.
He also said that he has directed the Principal Secretary Health and Family Welfare to complete all kind of administrative procedures in 10 days.
Announcing to strengthen the Ayurvedic wing of the health department, the Minister said that the wing would establish drug-de-addiction centres at district level, which would be functional in next two months.