Launch crackdown on sale of opiate withdrawal drug: CM after panel meet
CHANDIGARH:CHIEF minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Monday instructed district authorities to launch a crackdown on centres selling Buprenophine-naloxone (used to treat opioid addiction) in large quantities in violation of prescribed protocols.
The issue was flagged at a weekly review meeting of the cabinet sub-committee set up to monitor the anti-drug measures taken by various agencies that drug was being misused, which is prescribed in limited dosage to wean away addiction.
The CM also directed the departments concerned and officials to formulate strategies to ensure security of drug addicts and their families coming to the de-addiction and rehabilitation centres, and for a holistic media campaign to effectively spread awareness against drugs.
The CM also directed officials to hire retired government psychiatrists and empanel full-time and part-time private psychiatrists to handle the increased inflow of patients at de-addiction centres.
He asked the chief secretary to approach the Union ministry of social empowerment and justice for financial grant for setting up additional private de-addiction centres in Punjab to complement the state government’s efforts to contain drug abuse.
He said the list of the nearest outpatient opioid assisted treatment (OOAT) centres should be displayed on hoardings at strategic places, including bus stands, government hospitals and civil dispensaries in all cities, towns and villages across the state.
Amarinder also asked ministers to hold regular meetings, along with the MLAS, to keep strict vigil over the treatment and medical facilities being extended to drug addicts at government-run de-addiction centres.
The CM suggested drawing of an annual sports calendar to involve youth in extra-curricular activities. He also asked deputy commissioners to play a proactive role in facilitating such sporting events in consultation with the rural development and panchayats department. Cabinet Ministers Brahm Mohindra and Aruna Chaudhary also attended the meeting.
AAP DEMANDS CBI PROBE IN DRUG NEXUS
LUDHIANA: The Aam Aadmi Party’s Punjab unit on Monday said the Congress government in the state lacked the will to destroy the nexus between drug lords, police and political bigwigs, and demanded a CBI inquiry into the drug trade.
At a meeting of AAP workers here, state unit co-president Balbir Singh claimed that a large section of the Punjabi youth was in the grip of drugs and thousands of families had been ruined. He said drug eradication was one of the main promises made by the Congress in its election manifesto.
Now, he said, the state government is sitting on the report of the STF formed by CM Capt Amarinder Singh, and “it shows that the dispensation wants to save the influential culprits”.
He said AAP would launch a drive against drugs.