Free treatment for poor addicts; CM tells cops not to harass kin
CHANDIGARH:Punjab chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Tuesday announced free treatment for drug addicts from poor economic strata at all state-run de-addiction centres, and free travel with one attendant in government buses to such centres, on the lines of facilities given to cancer patients.
Responding to reports of police probing antecedents of addicts in such centres, he directed additional chief secretary (ACS), home, NS Kalsi to issue strict orders against entry of any police official into the centres or harassing addicts or their families.
The CM was chairing a highlevel meeting of civil surgeons, medical superintendents and principals of government medical colleges at Punjab Bhawan here.
He directed his chief principal secretary, Suresh Kumar, to ensure that funds for free treatment are immediately placed at the disposal of the deputy commissioners concerned.
If more funds are needed, he will sanction the same from Chief Minister’s Relief Fund, it is learnt.
He also directed the health department to explore the possibility of seeking financial aid from reputed national and international health organisations,
besides engaging NGOs already working to fight drug abuse.
The chief minister also asked the health department to put in place a mechanism for utilising services of private hospitals, medical and educational institutions in treatment of addicts by empaneling them on prescribed government rates.
Health minister Mohindra said they would soon recruit more psychiatrists to overcome shortage. He also suggested engaging services of private players for opening Outpatient Opioid-Assisted Treatment (OOAT)-based clinics.
Dr Rana Ranbir Singh, psychiatrist
from Tarn Taran civil hospital, suggested launching OEND (Overdose Education and Naloxone Distribution) programme, which is being implemented in US to save the lives of hardened drug addicts.
An inspector general of police posted with the special task force (STF) against drugs informed the meeting that there is a provision under the NDPS Act for seeking funds from the Centre to supplement the state's efforts to fight the drug menace. In response, the CM asked health minister Brahm Mohindra to take up the issue with the Union ministry of social justice and empowerment.