category Regional, patiala, , tags Regional, patiala, , DW BUREAU Patiala Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Balbir Singh today kick started an ambitious campaign against drugs from village Roungla falling under his constituency Patiala Rural, inviting all Punjabis to unite against drugs. He reiterated that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann led government is committed to make Punjab a drug-free, healthy, and vibrant state. Addressing the gathering at Government School in village Roungla, Dr. Balbir Singh announced that Roungla village would be a shining example for Punjab and the entire country by becoming a drug-free village. He was accompanied by Deputy Commissioner Sakshi Sawhney and SSP Varun Sharma. The Health Minister stated that drug addicts would be rehabilitated through scientific methods, while stern action would be taken against those involved in drug smuggling. He encouraged people to share information about drug smugglers with the police to dismantle the supply chain. Dr. Balbir Singh emphasized that justice, as expressed by Shaheed Bhagat Singh, lies not only in punishment but also in transforming hearts and creating better individuals. Therefore, the Punjab government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, intends to treat drug addicts as patients rather than incarcerating them. The government has devised a blueprint to provide skills training to these youths and enable them to become self-sufficient, which will be implemented through the Punjab Skill Development Mission. Recognizing the crucial role of villages in the fight against drugs, the Health Minister announced the formation of health committees and the setting up of wellness centers in all villages of the state. These initiatives aim to foster collaboration between the people and the health department in combating drugs and diseases, thus making the anti-drug campaign successful. He said, the support of the NGOs will also be sought to reintegrate drug addicts into mainstream. (editor dailyworld.in)