Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Admissions to Punjab’s government-run de-addiction and rehabilitation centres more than doubled in 2025, according to state government data released under its anti-drug campaign, ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’.
Government de-addiction centres recorded 25,290 admissions in 2025, up 164 per cent from 9,577 in 2024. More than 14,000 people were admitted to these centres between January and July 2026.
Admissions to government rehabilitation centres also rose from 2,644 in 2024 to 8,574 in 2025, an increase of over 224 per cent. More than 5,800 admissions were recorded by July this year, equivalent to nearly 68 per cent of the total for all of 2025.
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Punjab’s network of Outpatient Opioid-Assisted Treatment clinics reported a similar rise. New patient registrations increased from 13,033 in 2024 to 17,702 in 2025. More than 12,500 new patients had registered by August 2026.
The government attributed the increase to the wider reach of ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’, launched in March 2025, and said the figures indicated that more people and families were overcoming stigma and seeking institutional support for substance dependence.
It said more than 11,000 people had also been granted immunity under Section 64A of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act as of August 27. The provision offers conditional immunity from prosecution to eligible people accused of consumption or offences involving small quantities if they voluntarily seek and complete treatment for addiction.
Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh said the rise in admissions showed that more people were approaching the formal treatment system.
“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 said.
Singh said the campaign rested on three pillars: enforcement against drug smugglers, treatment and rehabilitation for those affected, and preventive measures aimed at children.
“Our effort is to bring people back from addiction, restore families and give those struggling with substance abuse a genuine pathway to recovery,” he added.
– Ends
SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
