In a landmark move to address the unique challenges faced by women with substance use disorder amidst the ongoing anti-drug campaign ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’, Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh on Monday launched ‘One Stop Integrated Program for Women who use Drugs’ for districts Kapurthala and Amritsar as part of first phase.
Notably, this program is a joint collaboration between the Health Department Punjab and the Community Affairs Division of the Punjab Police. Detailing about the initiative Dr Balbir Singh said that this program, which will be known as the “Punjab Model for Women Drug Users”, aims to provide a comprehensive and compassionate health response across the state.
“This program recognises that women face distinct issues from men, including different patterns of drug use, higher rates of mortality from overdose, and a higher likelihood of relapse after treatment,” he added. Speaking about the successful pilot project in Kapurthala, Dr Balbir Singh informed that 241 women drug user were registered and were provided with a wide range of health services.
This integrated package included medical, surgical, and gynaecological check-ups, care for pregnant women and newborns, and harm reduction services. Additionally, it provided testing and treatment for HIV and Hepatitis B and C, tuberculosis care, STI treatment, and counselling.
The program had successfully linked 81 women to treatment at OOAT clinics and were provided social support by connecting 80 women with social security schemes. Notably, out of four pregnant women registered, three have given birth to healthy babies.
Emphasising the government's commitment to compassionate rehabilitation, Dr Balbir Singh said, “Addiction is a disease, not a crime. We must approach victims with empathy and equip them with skills for dignified reintegration.”
He also highlighted the vital role women can play in supporting family members affected by drug abuse and helping them access rehabilitation services. Talking about the implementation of this program, Dr Balbir Singh said that the success of the Kapurthala model will serve as a training and learning centre for the state.
In the first phase of its statewide implementation, the program will be extended on a pilot basis to the districts of Kapurthala and Amritsar, he said, while adding that in the next phase the program will be rolled out in all the districts upon success of the pilot phase. Welcoming the initiative of this partnership between the Health and Punjab Police, Special Director General of Police (Special DGP) Community Affairs Division Gurpreet Kaur Deo said that women, who use drugs, face stigma and societal disapproval on account of which they are reluctant to come forward for accessing treatment options .
In addition, treatment services for women are almost non existent . This initiative is an effort to bridge the gap of lack of health services in the state for women drug users ,she said. She informed that Community Affairs Division of the Punjab Police will be funding the pilot projects in the districts of Amritsar and Kapurthala, as a community Policing initiative.
This reflects the government's unwavering commitment to not only break the supply-demand cycle of drugs but also to ensure a healthier future for all its citizens. On this occasion, Principal Secretary Health Kumar Rahul, Director Health and Family Welfare Dr Hitinder Kaur, Deputy Director Dr Rohini Goyal and Nodal Officer Mental Health Dr Sandeep Bhola were also present.