Early Times Report
CHANDIGARH, Feb 20: In a significant push to strengthen the mental health and de-addiction ecosystem across the state, Punjab Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh engaged with the pioneering batch of Leadership in Mental Health Programme (LMHP) fellows, underscoring the government's unwavering commitment to combat addiction and bolster mental well-being through the ongoing anti-drugs Yudh Nashian Virudh campaign.
During the interaction, held here at Punjab Kisan Bhawan, Dr Balbir Singh described the LMHP fellows as "lighthouses" in Punjab's determined fight against substance abuse. Drawing a powerful analogy, he stated that a person struggling with addiction is like "the sea during a storm - turbulent and directionless." He added that just as a lighthouse guides ships safely to shore, the LMHP fellows will guide individuals and families towards recovery and stability.
The Health Minister emphasised that the responsibility entrusted to the fellows is both significant and transformative. He noted that while the journey will demand patience, resilience and compassion, the reward of seeing individuals reclaim their lives from addiction is immeasurable.
Describing the Leadership in Mental Health Programme as a pioneering initiative, Dr Balbir Singh said it is India's first fellowship dedicated exclusively to addressing substance abuse through systemic mental health strengthening. The programme, designed in collaboration with the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, deploys trained mental health professionals across districts to provide supervision, capacity building, monitoring and coordination support to de-addiction centres, OOAT centres and district administrations.
He further informed that the fellows will also actively engage with schools, colleges and communities to prevent the initiation of drug use among youth, thereby integrating prevention, treatment and rehabilitation within a comprehensive public health framework. |
