DW BUREAU / Moga

Punjab's Health and Family Welfare Minister, Dr. Balbir Singh, has stated that the political patronage enjoyed by drug peddlers in the state under previous governments has been completely stopped. Now, no leniency is being shown to drug traders and businessmen.

Addressing a meeting to review the progress of the "Yudh Nashiyan Virudh" campaign launched by the Punjab government, Dr. Balbir Singh said that the campaign has yielded meaningful results and 5,000 additional beds are being arranged in de-addiction centers across the state. In Moga district, 200 more beds will be added, taking the total to 300 beds.

The Minister announced that six more OAT clinics would be opened soon in Moga district. To combat drug addiction, services of private hospitals' doctors would also be utilized in de-addiction centers. Skill development courses and yoga classes would be initiated for patients in these centers.

Dr. Balbir Singh directed officials to launch awareness activities in schools to educate children about the ill effects of drugs. He also announced plans to create playgrounds, gyms, and parks in rural areas to keep youth away from drug abuse.

The Minister instructed health department officials to initiate activities to prevent mosquito-borne diseases and ensure regular cleaning of drinking water tanks in schools. Fogging operations would be conducted on a large scale from April 21 to prevent dengue, chikungunya, and malaria.

On this occasion, Dr. Balbir Singh also highlighted the Punjab government's decision to provide free treatment up to Rs. 10 lakh to all citizens under the Chief Minister's Health Insurance Scheme.

The meeting was attended by MLAs Dr. Amandeep Kaur Arora and Davinderjit Singh Ladi Dhons, Deputy Commissioner Sagar Setia, SSP Ajay Gandhi, and other officials.

(editor@dailyworld.in)