The North News
Chandigarh, August 25
Punjab has launched a new rehabilitation initiative aimed at supporting women struggling with drug addiction, marking a significant step in the state’s ongoing anti-drug campaign, Yudh Nashian Virudh. Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh unveiled the ‘One Stop Integrated Programme for Women who use Drugs’ on Monday, with pilot projects in Kapurthala and Amritsar.
The scheme, known as the “Punjab Model for Women Drug Users”, has been developed jointly by the state’s Health Department and the Punjab Police’s Community Affairs Division. Officials say it is designed to address the distinct health and social challenges faced by women compared to men. Dr Balbir Singh said women are often more vulnerable, citing different patterns of drug use, higher overdose mortality rates, and greater risks of relapse after treatment.
A pilot project in Kapurthala registered 241 women drug users, who received a comprehensive package of medical and social care, including gynaecological check-ups, care for pregnant women, HIV and hepatitis treatment, tuberculosis care, STI treatment, and counselling. The initiative also connected women to OOAT (Outpatient Opioid Assisted Treatment) clinics, with 81 patients linked to treatment and 80 provided access to social security schemes. Of four pregnant women enrolled, three have delivered healthy babies, officials said.
“Addiction is a disease, not a crime,” Dr Balbir Singh said. “We must approach victims with empathy and equip them with skills for dignified reintegration.” The minister said the Kapurthala centre will act as a training hub for the state, with the model to be expanded across all districts after the pilot phase.
Special Director General of Police (Community Affairs) Gurpreet Kaur Deo welcomed the initiative, stressing that stigma and social disapproval often deter women from seeking help. She added that treatment facilities for women are “almost non-existent” and confirmed that the Punjab Police’s Community Affairs Division would fund the pilot projects.
Senior health officials, including Principal Secretary Kumar Rahul and Director Dr Hitinder Kaur, were present at the launch.
