Sri Fatehgarh Sahib/April 19:
(Ravinder Singh Dhindsa)
The campaign launched by the Punjab Government to eradicate drugs from the state "War Against Drugs"is yielding positive results. In line with the directions of Aam Aadmi Party’s National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, arrangements have been made for 5,000 additional beds in the state's de-addiction centres to treat individuals trapped in addiction.
This information was shared by Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Balbir Singh while presiding over a review meeting of the War Against Drugs campaign and a session on prevention of mosquito and waterborne diseases held here at the District Administrative Complex. The Health Minister stated that coordination committees of various departments have been formed to ensure ground-level success of the anti-drug campaign so that a comprehensive strategy can be implemented through inter-departmental collaboration.The Health Minister also mentioned that skill development courses are being initiated at de-addiction centres to help recovering addicts reintegrate into society and lead better lives. Additionally, yoga classes are also being started for admitted patients. He urged the officials of various departments to conduct awareness activities in schools to educate children about the harmful effects of drugs and prevent the growing trend of drug use among youth. He further informed that the Punjab Government has planned to develop playgrounds, gyms, and parks in villages to keep rural youth away from drugs, and implementation will begin soon. Cabinet Minister Dr. Balbir Singh instructed Health Department officials to promptly launch activities for the prevention of diseases caused by mosquitoes and contaminated water. He directed the concerned departments to ensure regular cleaning of drinking water tanks in schools. He also instructed officials of the Local Government, Health Department, Rural Development and Panchayat Department, Water Supply and Sanitation Department to start fogging operations on a large scale from April 21 to control dengue, chikungunya, and malaria, so that people can be protected from these diseases. He asked the Civil Surgeon to take immediate action to release Gambusia fish in village ponds for mosquito control. While speaking to the media on the occasion, the Health Minister said that the current Punjab Government is the first in the state's history to provide free medical treatment up to Rs. 10 lakh to all citizens under the Chief Minister Health Insurance Scheme. He added that non-bailable cases will be registered against individuals involved in fights within hospital premises. He appealed to the media to thoroughly verify facts before posting or forwarding any content on social media, in order to prevent unnecessary panic or tension in society. On this occasion, the Cabinet Minister specially honored SDM Amloh Chetan Bangar and District Development and Panchayat Officer Jaspreet Kaur for their commendable contribution to the War Against Drugs campaign. The meeting was attended by Fatehgarh Sahib MLA Advocate Lakhbir Singh Rai, Deputy Commissioner Dr. Sona Thind, SP (D) Rakesh Yadav, SDM Bassi Pathana Harbir Kaur, Civil Surgeon Dr. Davinderjit Kaur, and officials from various departments.