Upgraded de-addiction centre inaugurated in Mohali

Mohali: Taking a significant step in its ongoing war against drugs, the state government on Thursday unveiled the newly upgraded and renovated Nasha Mukti Kendra at Sector 66, Mohali. This initiative is part of the anti-drug campaign, Yudh Nasheya Virudh.
The centre's capacity has been enhanced from 50 to 100 beds, with plans to expand to 200 beds by adding a floor. Skill training courses have also been introduced with the support of Sun Foundation, aiming to empower recovering youth with employable skills.
Punjab's health and family welfare minister Dr Balbir Singh inaugurated the revamped facility in the presence of Rajya Sabha member and Sun Foundation patron Vikramjit Singh Sahney, and Mohali MLA Kulwant Singh.
Speaking to the media, Dr Balbir Singh said, "Under the visionary guidance of AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal and the dynamic leadership of chief minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Punjab is fast emerging as a model state in the global fight against drug abuse." He said drug addiction is a global crisis and that Punjab's multi-pronged strategy — targeting both supply and rehabilitation — is yielding results.
The minister highlighted that the government has significantly increased de-addiction centre bed capacity from 1,500 to 5,000. A month into Yudh Nasheya Virudh campaign, the state has intensified enforcement by cracking down on drug traffickers, seizing large quantities of narcotics, and demolishing illegal properties linked to the drug trade.
Rehabilitation, he stressed, is now being prioritised. "We are not only treating but also empowering our youth. With the support of NGOs like Sun Foundation, skill training is being integrated into 19 government rehabilitation centres, beginning with Amritsar, Jalandhar, and now Mohali."
The skill development programs at the Mohali centre include courses in computer literacy, mobile repair, cooking, electrical work, organic gardening, and recreational activities like gym and sports. These programs aim to reintegrate recovering individuals into society as productive citizens.
The minister also announced that OOAT centres — now rebranded as Nasha Mukti Dawai Kendras — have increased to 565 across the state, with all medicine disbursement records digitised for better monitoring.
Rajya Sabha MP Vikramjit Singh Sahney reaffirmed his commitment to the cause, saying, "Sun Foundation will continue supporting the youth of Punjab. We are honoured to play a role in this historic campaign to rebuild lives and restore hope."
MLA Kulwant Singh expressed gratitude for the selection of Mohali's centre for this transformative initiative, thanking the health department for its commitment to fighting addiction on all fronts.
As Punjab accelerates its fight against drugs, the government has called for a united effort to eliminate narco-terrorism and gangsterism, aiming to build a Rangla Punjab — a vibrant, drug-free state.