Ludhiana: The Ludhiana health department has launched a district-wide drug de-addiction awareness week as part of the Punjab govt’s Yuddh Nashian Virudh (war against drugs) campaign. Led by civil surgeon Dr Ramandeep Kaur, the initiative aims to educate the public on the hazards of substance abuse while connecting individuals suffering from addiction to local treatment, counselling, and rehabilitation networks.As part of the daily schedule, health teams organised an interactive street play (nukkad natak) and distributed informative materials on Thursday to sensitise residents about the physical, psychological, and economic consequences of addiction. The campaign is running across schools, colleges, and medical centers through a mix of poster exhibitions, counselling sessions, and community rallies.Civil surgeon Dr Ramandeep stated, “Drug abuse is one of the most serious social and public health challenges of our time, and its eradication requires the active participation and cooperation of every section of society.” She noted that free psychiatric care and rehabilitation services are readily accessible at the Navjeevan Centre, regional de-addiction centers, and outpatient opioid assisted treatment (OOAT) clinics.The campaign is being managed by deputy medical commissioner Dr Varun Saggar, civil hospital senior medical officer Dr Akhil Sareen, and specialist psychiatrists. Medical experts from the department of psychiatry urged families not to hide cases of substance abuse, emphasising that addiction is a treatable medical condition that can be overcome through clinical treatment, counselling, and domestic support.
