Chandigarh: Public participation in government-run health programs has increased noticeably across Punjab, with state de-addiction centers recording a 164 percent rise in patient admissions over a one-year period. Official records indicate that annual intake grew from 9,577 individuals in 2024 to 25,290 in 2025, driven by ongoing public health drives under the ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ initiative. The trend has sustained momentum into 2026, with over 14,000 admissions registered through July.
Parallel expansion occurred across long-term care infrastructure. Government rehabilitation facilities registered an intake of 8,574 patients in 2025 compared to 2,644 in 2024, representing a 224 percent growth. Additional enrollment through Outpatient Opioid-Assisted Treatment clinics saw over 12,500 new patient registrations by August 2026, building upon 17,702 entries recorded the prior year.
Legal provisions designed to encourage medical recovery have also been actively applied. State agencies reported that over 11,000 individuals received legal immunity under Section 64A of the NDPS Act as of late August 2026, allowing persons facing usage or possession charges to prioritize clinical care over prosecution.
Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh affirmed that the rising numbers reflect greater willingness among families to seek professional treatment and overcome traditional social stigmas. He maintained that the state strategy balances strict law enforcement against illegal distribution networks with accessible, supportive clinical pathways to ensure long-term community recovery.
