Punjab Health & Family Welfare Minister Brahm Mohindra on Friday said around 471 patients suffering from addiction of drugs and opiate products got treatment services with the help of 104 medical helpline in July this year.
Mohindra said Punjab Government has commenced a round-the-clock helpline number ‘104’ to assist addicts who seek any information regarding treatment services under de-addiction programme.
“Breaking the taboo of social stigma, now patients are coming forward to get themselves admitted in the Rehabilitation & de-addiction centres,” he said, adding that instructions have been issued to higher authorities concerned of 104 Helpline number to deal every patient on priority basis under the de-addiction programme.
In a statement, the Minister said that the health department has initiated an awareness programme in all districts about 104 helpline to motivate addicts to come forward and get themselves treated to lead healthy life. “Today, anyone can get complete information about de-addiction programme along with counselling services through 104 medical help line service” he added.
Mohindra said 70 patients were provided counselling under de-addiction programme from the Help-line number 104 last month and the number of patients is expected to increase in August.
The Minister said the State Government has decided to set up OOAT clinics at CHC level to provide free treatment services at door step of every village.
It is need of the hour to address every complaint and query about de-addiction programme within time, he said.