Five-Day Training for Medical Officers at Patiala to Standardize Drug Victim Care
Patiala, August 29:
Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Balbir Singh today said that the state government is committed to adopting a uniform methodology for the treatment of drug victims, ensuring that patients receive the same standard of care whether they approach a local health centre or a major hospital.
The Minister was addressing the valedictory session of a five-day capacity-building program for medical officers on advanced treatment of substance use disorders, organized at Government Medical College, Patiala, under the Punjab Government’s Yudh Nashian Virudh.
Dr. Balbir Singh said that the fight against drugs is the government’s foremost priority. He stressed that through scientific training, real-time monitoring, and expansion of de-addiction infrastructure, treatment services in Punjab are being made more accessible and patient-centered. He added that medical officers, counselors, police personnel, and psychologists are being equipped with the latest training to provide effective, compassionate, and professional care.
Under this initiative, 26 psychiatrists trained at AIIMS are conducting five-day training programs in different districts, covering theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and legal awareness. “The aim is to enhance the capacity of medical officers and support staff so that substance use disorders can be managed effectively at the grassroots level,” he noted.
Highlighting the government’s initiatives, Dr. Balbir Singh informed that two model centres have been set up at Amritsar and Kapurthala, where preventive measures against needle use and harm reduction strategies are being implemented. These centres form part of the state’s broader effort to introduce both oral and injectable substitution therapy for drug victims.
Applauding the dedication of medical officers and experts, the Minister expressed confidence that their collective efforts will ensure a “Healthy and Drug-Free Punjab.” He further shared that the program is being conducted with the support of the Ananya Birla Foundation, with technical expertise from AIIMS, PGI Chandigarh, IIT Ropar, and Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai. The initiative follows a hub-and-spoke model to ensure seamless technical assistance and effective ground-level implementation across the state.
On the occasion, Government Medical College Principal Dr. R.P.S. Sibia, Medical Superintendent of Rajindra Hospital Vishal Chopra, Civil Surgeon Dr. Jagpalinder Singh, Medical Commissioner Dr. Jaswinder Singh, Dr. Rajneesh, along with medical officers from Sangrur and Mansa, were also present.
