Punjab Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh & Sanjeev Arora hold meeting with psychiatrists

The Association of Psychiatrists (AOP), in collaboration with the Punjab Government, organized an event titled “Saanjhi Raah” (Common Path) at Pal Auditorium, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, on Sunday.

The event was part of the ongoing “Yudh Nasheyan Virudh” (War Against Drugs) campaign led by the state government and served as a collaborative meet between state government officials and psychiatrists from across Punjab.

Dignitaries present at the event included Dr. Balbir Singh, Health Minister, Punjab; Sanjeev Arora, Rajya Sabha MP; Kumar Rahul, Principal Secretary (Health), Punjab; Dr. Basant Garg, Nodal Officer, Anti-Drug Campaign; Dr. Hitender Kaur, Director, Health Services; and Dr. Sandeep Bhola, State Programme Officer, Mental Health and Deaddiction.

In his address, MP Sanjeev Arora echoed Principal Secretary Kumar Rahul’s sentiment, emphasizing the crucial role psychiatrists can play in curbing the drug menace. He stressed the importance of mass awareness campaigns involving psychiatrists in educational institutions across the state. Arora opined that students are more likely to heed the advice of mental health professionals, even if they ignore guidance from elders or teachers.

MP Arora also highlighted the need for a systemic shift in treating drug addiction. He advocated that drug addicts admitted to hospitals should be referred to psychiatrists instead of general physicians. Furthermore, he called for an end to the stigma surrounding psychiatric treatment and urged psychiatrists to offer voluntary support to the government in its anti-drug mission.

Principal Secretary (Health) Kumar Rahul shared his optimism, stating that psychiatrists have shown keen interest in actively participating in the campaign. He outlined the campaign’s three pillars—supply reduction, harm reduction, and demand reduction—and asserted that psychiatrists have a critical role to play in each of these areas.

Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh began his speech by lauding MP Arora’s contributions to the healthcare sector, particularly his efforts to upgrade Civil Hospital Ludhiana. He also acknowledged Arora’s ongoing work in enhancing facilities at civil hospitals in Jalandhar and Amritsar, as well as his initiatives supporting cancer patients.

Dr. Singh expressed satisfaction over the psychiatrists’ willingness to collaborate with the government, reiterating the government’s commitment to making Punjab a drug-free state. He announced that psychiatrists who join the campaign would be required to contribute two hours daily and would receive compensation of Rs.1,500 per hour for their services.