5000 beds added in Punjab de-addiction centres; CM Mann warns of action over poor services

Chandigarh: In a significant move to combat drug abuse, the Punjab government has increased the number of beds in drug de-addiction centres from 1,500 to 5,000.

Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced that existing centres will be upgraded with modern facilities, including air conditioning, while new centres will also be established across the state.

The number of Outpatient Opioid Assisted Treatment (OOAT) centres has also been raised from 529 to 565. Authorities have been directed to ensure the uninterrupted supply of essential medicines in every district.

CM Mann has issued a stern warning to officials, stating that negligence in services will not be tolerated and strict action will follow any lapses.

The Punjab government has been operating in ‘action mode’ for the last 60 days as part of its intensified crackdown on drug trafficking. Police officers have been given a deadline to eliminate drug abuse in their jurisdictions.

Emphasising a shift in approach, the government has decided that drug addicts will not be sent to jail but admitted to hospitals for treatment. The Health Minister has conducted a state-wide tour to