Archive · 20 May 2025
Punjab Struggles with Drug Crisis and Mental Healthcare Act
Punjab is trying to help people with drug addiction.
They have a big program called 'Yudh Nasheyan De Virudh' and lots of treatment centers.
But, they need to fully use the Mental Healthcare Act, a law that says addiction is a mental health problem, not a crime.
Doctors want better treatments and for the government to follow the rules of the Act.
The government is working on letting doctors give patients specific medicines.
The Indian Psychiatric Society is helping to improve the treatment of drug addiction in Punjab.
Punjab's 'Yudh Nasheyan De Virudh' campaign addresses drug crisis, but Mental Healthcare Act implementation lags.
The state has over 10 lakh individuals in treatment at 529 government and 180 private centers.
The Mental Healthcare Act of 2017 (MHCA) aims to treat addiction as a mental health issue, not a criminal one.
The Indian Psychiatric Society (IPS) is urging full MHCA implementation and improved treatment protocols.
The Health Department is working on allowing private psychiatrists to dispense buprenorphine and naloxone.
- Who
- The Punjab government, healthcare professionals, and the Indian Psychiatric Society (IPS) are involved.
- What
- Punjab is grappling with a drug crisis while the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, is incompletely enforced.
- When
- Ongoing
- Where
- Punjab, India
- Why
- To address the drug crisis and improve treatment for addiction, which requires full implementation of the MHCA.
Indian Psychiatric Society (IPS)
Punjab Health Department
Treatment Protocols
Indian Psychiatric Society (IPS)
Current protocols are flawed and a hindrance.
Punjab Health Department
Efforts underway to implement the MHCA in its entirety
Buprenorphine Dispensing
Indian Psychiatric Society (IPS)
IPS recommends evidence-based medications like buprenorphine, in line with international standards to ensure effective outcomes
Punjab Health Department
Private psychiatrists would be permitted to dispense buprenorphine and naloxone.
- Act Involved
- Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 (MHCA)
- Campaign Name
- Yudh Nasheyan De Virudh
- OOAT Centers
- 529 govt-run, 180 private
- Patients in Treatment
- Over 10 Lakh
- Focus
- Drug Addiction Treatment & Mental Health