MP Sahney announces Rs 1cr to upgrade drug rehab centres in Punjab
1
2
Chandigarh: Member of Parliament (MP)
Vikramjit Singh Sahney
has announced Rs 1 crore for the upgradation of all drug rehab centres in Punjab. The Punjab govt has partnered with the
Sun Foundation
to introduce skill development programmes at the 19 govt-run drug rehabilitation centres across the state. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed at Punjab Bhawan in the presence of health and family welfare minister Dr Balbir Singh and Vikramjit Singh Sahney, chairman of the Sun Foundation.
Additionally, the foundation will provide manpower and cover the maintenance costs of the skill development facilities. Health minister Dr Balbir Singh hailed the initiative as a vital component of the state's ongoing "
Yudh Nasheyan Virudh
" (War Against Drugs) campaign and expressed his gratitude to MP Sahney for his commitment to a
drug-free Punjab
.
Dr Singh stressed the need to address the concerning relapse rate of 80–90% by integrating skill development and recreational activities into the rehabilitation process. He commended the govt's progressive approach of decriminalising drug users and recognising them as patients in need of care and support.
Outlining the state's strategy, Dr Singh said efforts were underway to shift intravenous drug users to safer alternatives such as tablets and liquid methadone in order to curb the spread of HIV and Hepatitis C. "My vision is to transform drug addicts into entrepreneurs through targeted skill development," he said, expressing hope for a "positive domino effect" where rehabilitated individuals become productive members of society.
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MP Sahney addressed the mischaracterisation of Punjab as uniquely drug-afflicted, pointing out that the crisis extends to several Indian states, including Maharashtra and Gujarat. Reaffirming his "heartfelt desire" to help Punjab overcome this challenge, he announced the Sun Foundation's commitment to operating all 19 rehabilitation centres. The foundation already manages successful centres in Amritsar, Jalandhar, and Mohali.
Sahney shared that the foundation would introduce a range of recreational, motivational, and spiritual activities — including games, yoga, music, Gurbani, counselling, and television-equipped recreational rooms. Emphasis will also be placed on skilling individuals in organic farming, plumbing, electrical work, mobile repair, and cookery — equipping them to earn livelihoods post-recovery and reducing the chances of relapse.
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