CHANDIGARH/MOGA, November 8:
In a swift and efficient operation, the Punjab Police has nabbed the person involved in the theft of de-addiction medicines from the Moga Civil Hospital, which occurred on the night of Diwali, informed Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh here on Saturday, while lauding district administration and police for the quick breakthrough in the case.
Addressing a press conference here, Dr Balbir Singh termed the theft as a serious crime and assured that the strictest legal action will be taken against the accused. “The accused involved in stealing narcotic tablets from the Moga Civil Hospital have been arrested within days of the incident. I commend the Moga District Administration and Police for their efforts,” said the Health Minister.
He reiterated that under the directions of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, a policy of zero tolerance is being followed against drug traffickers.
Dr Balbir Singh highlighted that the state government’s “Yudh Nashian Virudh” campaign is proving to be a milestone in eradicating the menace, with effective results now becoming visible. He informed that nearly 20,000 individuals have given up addiction since the campaign was launched.
Giving details of the case, the Health Minister said that on the night of Diwali, de-addiction medicines were stolen from the Moga Civil Hospital. A total of 10,150 stolen tablets were recovered, while 850 tablets had already been sold by the accused.
The Minister was accompanied by Dharmkot MLA Devinderjeet Singh Laddi Dhos, Deputy Commissioner Sagar Setia, SSP Ajay Gandhi, and officials from the Health Department.
Dr Balbir Singh also outlined the government’s broader efforts to strengthen health infrastructure, including the recruitment of 1400 doctors, the ongoing process to hire 1000 more nurses, and the availability of 350 types of free medicines in hospitals. He added that the de-addiction centre at Kot Ise Khan has been upgraded with all facilities, leading nearly 1,000 individuals have successfully undergone de-addiction treatment.
