Taking a major step forward to make the state drug-free, the Health & Family Welfare and Medical Education & Research Minister Dr. Vijay Singla, on Thursday, asked the managements of all the drug de-addiction centers to strictly curb the misuse of drugs available in these centers, failing which invite revocation of the licenses of centers and penal action will be taken against the managing staff.During a marathon meeting with top officials of the department, the Health Minister said, "the old days are gone, when only claims to eliminate drugs were made. What will be promised now, will be fulfilled by all means at any cost. The Punjab government is serious about making Punjab drug-free state and no one, directly or indirectly involved in the drug trade, would be spared for playing with the health of the people."
Dr. Singla said that there were 186 private drug de-addiction centers in the state and he was receiving reports of misuse of drugs in various centers. He said, "those violating the instructions of the health department will be dealt with iron hands." At the same time, the Health Minister saught fulsome cooperation of all the chemists of the state, saying that they should provide drugs to the persons only after checking doctor's prescription.Strictly raking up the issue of adulteration in food items, the Health Minister Dr. Vijay Singla directed the officials to immediately activate flying squads of the department, adding that those who were endangering the health of the people by selling adulterated food items should not be spared at any cost. He said that strict action should be taken against those who adulterated milk and milk products such as ghee, cheese and sweets and ripening fruits in an unnatural manner.
Similarly, the Health Minister also appealed to the people of the state to extend their support for making the Punjab drug-free state as they have extended their massive support to the Aam Aadmi Party government in the state and wherever they notice any activity of drug trafficking, inform the authorities immediately so as to ensure stern action against anti-social elements.Principal Secretary Mr. Raj Kamal Chaudhary, MD-NHM-cum-Commissioner Food and Drug Administration Mr. Kumar Rahul, Director Health Services Dr. G.B. Singh, Joint Commissioner Drugs Mr. Sanjeev Garg and other officials were present in the meeting.