Archive · 21 Jul 2026
Punjab Introduces Methadone Maintenance Therapy
The Punjab government has started a new treatment called methadone maintenance therapy (MMT) to help people who are very addicted to opioids like heroin.
This treatment is given under strict medical supervision in special clinics.
Methadone helps control cravings and withdrawal symptoms, allowing patients to stabilize their health and live better lives.
The government plans to open more clinics soon.
Supporters say it's effective, while critics argue it might just replace one addiction with another.
Punjab introduces methadone maintenance therapy (MMT) for severe opioid dependence.
Six clinics are currently operational, with six more planned.
Methadone is administered daily under medical supervision to prevent misuse.
Treatment includes psychological counselling, psychiatric consultation, and relapse prevention services.
Methadone controls cravings, prevents withdrawal symptoms, and produces opioid tolerance.
The therapy is evidence-based and included in the WHO's Model List of Essential Medicines.
- Who
- Punjab government and health officials
- What
- Introduction of methadone maintenance therapy for severe opioid dependence
- When
- July 20
- Where
- Punjab, India
- Why
- To provide an effective treatment option for long-term opioid dependence and reduce the risk of relapse
Supporters of Methadone Therapy
Critics of Methadone Therapy
Effectiveness
Supporters of Methadone Therapy
Supporters argue that methadone maintenance therapy is an effective treatment for long-term opioid dependence, as it controls cravings and prevents withdrawal symptoms.
Critics of Methadone Therapy
Critics may argue that methadone is just replacing one addiction with another and does not address the root cause of opioid dependence.
Supervision and Safety
Supporters of Methadone Therapy
Supporters highlight that daily supervised doses reduce the risk of misuse and ensure treatment adherence.
Critics of Methadone Therapy
Critics might express concerns about the long-term dependency on methadone and the potential for misuse despite supervision.
- Treatment Type
- Methadone Maintenance Therapy (MMT)
- Guidelines Followed
- World Health Organization (WHO) and National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO)
- Number of Clinics
- 6 currently operational, with 6 more planned
- Locations
- Government Medical College, Faridkot; Civil Hospital, Ludhiana; Government Medical College, Patiala; District hospitals in Gurdaspur, Mohali, and Jalandhar
- Services Provided
- Supervised methadone therapy, psychological counselling, psychiatric consultation, relapse prevention services, family counselling, and regular follow-up
- Administration
- Daily doses administered under medical supervision
- Effect on Patients
- Controls cravings, prevents withdrawal symptoms, and produces opioid tolerance
- Risk of Misuse
- Substantially lower due to daily supervised ingestion