Chandigarh, May 1:
In a major push to combat drug addiction amidst the ongoing “Yudh Nasheyan Virudh” to make Punjab drug free state as per vision of AAP’s National Convener Arvind Kejriwal and under able leadership of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Punjab Government has partnered with the “Sun Foundation” to provide skill development at the 19 Government Drug Rehabilitation Centres running in the state. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in the presence of Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Balbir Singh and Member of Parliament (MP) S. Vikramjeet Singh Sahney, Chairman of the Sun Foundation, today here at Punjab Bhawan.
Underscoring his dedication to this critical cause, MP Vikramjeet Singh Sahney announced a contribution of Rs 1 crore from his MPLAD funds to bolster the drug rehabilitation centres. The foundation will also provide manpower and bear maintenance cost of the skill centres.
The Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh praised MP Sahney’s contribution as a crucial step in the state’s “Yudh Nasheyan Virudh” initiative, while conveying his appreciation to MP Sahney for his dedication in creating a drug-free Punjab.
Highlighting Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s vision, Dr. Balbir Singh emphasised the government’s focus on tackling the alarmingly high relapse rate of 80-90% by integrating robust skill development and engaging the drug victims with recreational activities at the rehabilitation centres. He also lauded the government’s progressive decision to decriminalise drug abusers, treating them as patients in need of care.
Dr. Balbir Singh detailed the government’s harm reduction strategy, which focuses on moving intravenous drug users to safer alternatives such as tablets and liquid methadone to combat the spread of HIV and Hepatitis C. He stated, “My vision is to transform drug addicts into entrepreneurs through targeted skill development,” envisioning a “positive domino effect” where those rehabilitated become productive members of society.
Dr. Balbir Singh also extended his wishes on International Labour Day and paid tribute to the martyrs of the 1886 Chicago labourers’ strike.
MP Vikramjeet Singh Sahney, Chairman of the Sun Foundation, addressed the misrepresentation of Punjab as solely a drug-afflicted state, acknowledging the widespread nature of the problem across India, including states like Maharashtra and Gujarat. He affirmed his “heartfelt desire” to help Punjab overcome this challenge and announced the Sun Foundation’s commitment to operating 19 drug rehabilitation centres. Notably, the Sun Foundation already successfully manages three such centres in Amritsar, Jalandhar, and Mohali.
MP Sahney said that Sun Foundation will implement recreational, motivational, and spiritual activities within the centres, emphasising games, yoga, music, Gurbani, television-equipped recreation rooms, and counselling. Furthermore, a strong focus will be placed on skilling individuals in areas such as organic farming, plumbing, electrical work, mobile repair, and cookery, empowering them to secure livelihoods post-treatment and reducing the risk of relapse.
Secretary Health and Family Welfare cum Nodal Officer Anti-Drug Campaign Basant Garg, Director Dr. Hitinder Kaur, Assistant Director Dr. Sandeep Bhola, and other senior health officials were also present on the occasion.
