Punjab taps private sector to bolster de-addiction efforts amid rising demand

Time of India

01-05-2025

Chandigarh: Facing an anticipated surge in demand for rehabilitation as its war on drugs intensifies, the Punjab govt — hampered by limited public health infrastructure — is turning to private doctors and de-addiction centres in a strategic move to expand treatment access across the state.
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Punjab, grappling with a crippling drug crisis, particularly among its youth, has close to 10 lakh individuals undergoing treatment at 529 govt-run outpatient opioid assisted treatment (OOAT) centres. An additional 180 private centres are also operational. With an expected rise in patients due to the state's aggressive crackdown on drug abuse, the govt is ramping up infrastructure and forging partnerships with private players to handle the load.
To increase bed capacity, the state will collaborate with private nursing institutions, nursing colleges, and NGOs. These partners will work with district drug de-addiction and rehabilitation centres (DDRCs), converting existing beds into de-addiction beds under the DDRC umbrella. These centres will function according to govt guidelines and under the oversight of DDRCs to ensure basic facilities, nutritious meals, and quality medical care.
The health department will sign agreements with willing entities. These centres will be reimbursed for infrastructure upgrades — up to Rs 20,000 per bed — as a one-time grant. Additionally, they can claim up to Rs 1,500 per bed per day based on actual occupancy.
To fast-track readiness, the govt has also decided to expedite licensing for new facilities and for the expansion of existing ones. Minimum facility requirements include air-conditioned wards, functional toilets and bathrooms, clean drinking water, counselling rooms, multipurpose rooms, equipment for monitoring vitals, and security systems like CCTV and Wi-Fi.
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However, these do not replace the minimum licensing standards mandated for de-addiction centres.
Private psychiatrists to the forefront
One of the biggest challenges in delivering quality care is the shortage of psychiatrists in the govt system. At present, only about 50 are currently serving across Punjab. To bridge this gap, deputy commissioners have been authorised to engage private psychiatrists for part-time services.
Muktsar deputy commissioner Abhijeet Kaplish recently convened a meeting with private de-addiction centre managers and doctors, informing them of the state's plan. "Doctors who join us will be assigned centres where they will serve for a few hours after their regular duty hours. They will also be on call for emergencies," Kaplish said. He made it clear that participation is voluntary and based on mutual agreement.
Dr Sandeep Bhola, state in-charge of the de-addiction programme, affirmed that participating psychiatrists will be adequately compensated. He urged more professionals to step forward in support of the state's fight against addiction. Additionally, MBBS doctors will be trained to handle detoxification medications, broadening the pool of healthcare providers involved.
While many private psychiatrists have shown openness to the initiative, they are seeking clear terms, formal agreements, defined remuneration, and workplace security.
"Only those willing should be brought on board, and the terms must be transparent," said a senior private doctor, requesting anonymity.
Rebranding de-addiction centres
The govt has rebranded all govt de-addiction and rehabilitation centres. The facilities previously known as de-addiction/rehabilitation centres will now be called Nasha Mukti Kendras, and OOAT Clinics will be known as Nasha Mukti Davai Kendras, aligning with the state's broader messaging in its anti-drug campaign.
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