Punjab would observe the ‘International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking’ in its every district with the active involvement of schools, colleges, NGOs and social welfare organizations on June 26.
As a part if this event, the state level function would be observed at Tarn Taran district, said the state Health and Family Welfare Minister Balbir Singh Sidhu on Monday while claiming that the Congress-led Punjab Government has made big stride forward in curbing the menace of drug abuse.
“Since the Congress Government came to power in Punjab, till date, more than 83,920 patients suffering from drug addiction have been provided the free treatments at the total 178 OOATS (Outdoor Opioid Assisted Treatment Clinics) clinics. Patients have also been getting free indoor treatment in 34 de-addiction and 19 rehabilitation centers of the State,” he said.
He said that the persons who have been provided free treatment in OOAT clinics and de-addiction centers have been brought back into the mainstream life through regular counselling by the health experts.
“Now, with the motive to sensitize the school and college going students about the ill-effects of drug addiction, Health and Family Welfare Department has issued directions to all the Civil Surgeons to observe International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in all government schools and colleges in their respective districts on June 26,” he said.
He said that directions to Higher Education and School Education Departments have already been issued to cooperate with the district health authorities.
The Minister said that more than 100 new patients are being registered on daily basis for the treatment in OOAT clinics through our intensive campaign in the villages and camps organized by the psychiatrist and Medical officers.
Moreover, through DAPO program, many patients have come forward for treatment in OOAT clinics, he said adding that the registered patients are being monitored continuously by the psychiatrists through central registry system.