‘Over 14,000 people admitted to Punjab de-addiction centres in 2026’

Spread the news

Chandigarh, September 7

The admissions to Punjab government de-addiction and rehabilitation centres have surged since the launch of the ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ anti-drug campaign, with de-addiction centres recording a rise from 9,577 admissions in 2024 to 25,290 in 2025, while more than 14,000 people had been admitted by July this year, said Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh on Monday.

Sharing details, Health and Family Welfare Minister further said the increase in admissions was among the most encouraging indicators of the campaign. “People are increasingly stepping forward, families are seeking institutional support and the state’s treatment network is reaching individuals who may otherwise have remained outside the formal system,” he added.

Dr Balbir Singh further said  the campaign was based on three broad areas — enforcement against drug smugglers, treatment and rehabilitation for those affected, and prevention aimed at protecting children from drugs.

The state has also used provisions under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act to encourage people with addiction problems to seek treatment. As of August 27, 2026, more than 11,000 people had been granted immunity under Section 64A, which provides legal immunity in specified cases to people suffering from drug addiction who face charges related to consumption or possession of drugs.

The ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ campaign was launched in March 2025 as a state-wide effort against drug abuse. The increase has also been recorded in government rehabilitation centres. Admissions rose from 2,644 in 2024 to 8,574 in 2025, an increase of more than 224%. By July 2026, more than 5,800 people had been admitted, equivalent to nearly 68% of the total admissions recorded throughout 2025.

The government has increased state network of Outpatient Opioid-Assisted Treatment (OOAT) clinics has .New registrations increased from 13,033 in 2024 to 17,702 in 2025, while more than 12,500 new patients had registered by August this year.The figures point to a wider treatment network offering several routes to care, including de-addiction centres, rehabilitation facilities and outpatient services for people struggling with substance dependence. The government said its  focus is therefore moving beyond enforcement and identification of drug-related problems towards bringing affected people into treatment, supporting rehabilitation and helping families recover from the impact of addiction.