Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s government committed to root out drugs from the state to make ‘Rangala Punjab’

As per Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s vision, with a view to complete elimination of drugs from the state and make Punjab ‘Rangala Punjab’ again, Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Balbir Singh on Tuesday held an inter-departmental high-level meeting at the office of the National Health Mission here. Presided over the level meeting. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the results of the campaign conducted from June 15 to July 19, 2023. The meeting was attended by senior officers of different departments including Health Department, Jail Department and Social Security, Women and Child Development Department.

Giving more information Dr. Balbir Singh said that a total of 33682 prisoners were released during this campaign. T. I. For, 24404 Syphilis, 23879 H. I. V., 33576 of T. B. Accordingly, 20904 were screened for Hepatitis-B and 21299 for Hepatitis-C. After investigation, it was found that a total of 916 inmates (2.7 percent) were tested for STI, 168 (0.7 percent) for syphilis, 923 (3.9 percent) for HIV, 34 (0.1 percent) for TB, 143 (0.7 percent) ) for Hepatitis-B and 4846 (23%) were found positive for Hepatitis-C. Dr. Balbir Singh said that taking immediate action, we provided appropriate treatment to all the inmates who tested positive for STIs, TB, Syphilis, HIV, and Hepatitis C.

Acknowledging the important observations of the campaign, the minister advised the health department officials to work more effectively and collaborate with different departments to reach out to the society at large and help people suffering from drug addiction. Help can be provided.

During the meeting, the special secretary of the health department. Karthik Adapa emphasized the importance of increasing evidence-based prevention and treatment services in prisons, children’s homes and drug addiction and rehabilitation centers. He advocated for the expansion of harm reduction practices in prisons and other closed settings to more effectively address these health issues.

Prachi Shukla, Country Director of World Health Partners presented an important proposal focusing on mental health screening, counseling and referral for prison inmates. This project will be implemented in four central jails of Punjab with the partnership of Health Department of Punjab Government.

In addition, Dr. Balbir Singh suggested initiatives for establishing drug-free villages and recommended an analysis of the results of the services provided by the existing rehabilitation centers and de-addiction centers (SUDTCs). These evaluations can help increase the effectiveness of services and identify areas for improvement.

Dr. Balbir Singh A. D. G. P Jail also appealed to Arun Pal Singh to identify the tainted officers in the jail department and take appropriate action against them to completely stop the crime of drugs in the jails.

The minister also appealed to group village panchayats, mohalla committees and other non-governmental organizations to unite to make Punjab a drug-free state.