CHANDIGARH, JUNE 14 — The Punjab Government’s comprehensive anti-drug campaign, Yudh Nashean Virudh, has brought more than 90,000 individuals into state-run de-addiction and rehabilitation programs over a 14-month period. The initiative, launched under the administration of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, couples strict law enforcement with structured medical treatment and counseling across the region.
Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh affirmed that between March 1, 2025, and May 2026, tens of thousands of substance abuse victims were admitted to dedicated Outpatient Opioid Assisted Treatment centers and specialized recovery facilities. He noted that while choking the supply chains of narcotics remains a priority, lasting success relies heavily on early detection, treatment, and community support.
“As part of prevention and rehabilitation efforts, more than 90,000 victims of drug abuse have been admitted to de-addiction and Outpatient Opioid Assisted Treatment centres across Punjab between March 1, 2025, and May 2026,” Dr Balbir Singh stated. “While action against the drug menace continues across the state, teachers, parents and community members remain the first line of defence in identifying vulnerable individuals before substance use develops into addiction.”
The Health Minister declared that the early phases of substance dependence frequently manifest through subtle emotional, physical, and behavioral transformations. Families are advised to look out for sudden mood shifts, uncharacteristic secrecy, falling academic or professional performance, disrupted sleep cycles, and a sudden disinterest in sports or hobbies.
Physical indicators like bloodshot eyes, extreme fatigue, sudden weight changes, and a neglect of personal hygiene should not be overlooked by households. Health experts associated with the campaign stated that parents should address these behavioral shifts through supportive, non-judgmental dialogue, seeking professional medical counseling at the first sign of trouble.
Recovered individuals have shared positive outcomes from the state’s clinical infrastructure, noting that the medical staff provides care with a high degree of dignity. Patients currently undergoing counseling in regional medical centers expressed that the structured psychological support has allowed them to focus on returning to normal livelihoods and family obligations.
The state administration maintained that the campaign operates on a three-tier model focusing equally on de-addiction, rehabilitation, and active counseling. Dr Balbir Singh asserted that combining strict enforcement against traffickers with robust public awareness and community-led vigilance remains the most effective path toward eliminating the narcotics problem in Punjab.
