New Milestone in 'Yudh Nashian Virudh': Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh Launches Methadone Maintenance Therapy Clinic in Ludhiana

Ludhiana, June 26, 2026: Reinforcing the Punjab Government's unwavering commitment to combating drug abuse through scientific, evidence-based healthcare interventions, Hon'ble Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Punjab, Dr. Balbir Singh, today inaugurated the Methadone Maintenance Therapy (MMT) Clinic at Civil Hospital, Ludhiana, under the flagship campaign "Yudh Nashian Virudh" (War Against Drugs). The dedicated facility has been established to provide comprehensive treatment, counselling and rehabilitation support to individuals suffering from opioid dependence, marking another significant milestone in the State's mission to build a healthier and drug-free Punjab.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Balbir Singh said that the Punjab Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, is committed to addressing the challenge of drug addiction through a balanced approach encompassing prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and social reintegration. He emphasised that addiction is a treatable medical condition and every individual battling substance dependence deserves timely, compassionate and evidence-based treatment. He said the launch of the Methadone Maintenance Therapy Clinic reflects the Government's resolve to strengthen public healthcare services and ensure that no person suffering from opioid dependence is deprived of quality treatment due to financial or social barriers.
The Health Minister highlighted that Methadone Maintenance Therapy (MMT) is a globally accepted and scientifically proven treatment for opioid dependence. Recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) and implemented under the guidelines of the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO), Methadone is a long-acting opioid agonist medicine administered under strict medical supervision. It effectively relieves withdrawal symptoms, reduces cravings for opioids, minimises the risk of relapse and enables patients to regain physical, psychological and social stability. By replacing the repeated use of illicit opioids with a supervised medical treatment programme, Methadone helps individuals return to productive family, social and professional lives.
Dr. Balbir Singh further stated that Methadone Maintenance Therapy has demonstrated remarkable public health benefits worldwide. Besides improving treatment retention and promoting sustained recovery, it significantly reduces unsafe injecting practices, thereby preventing the transmission of HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C among people who inject drugs. It also lowers the incidence of overdose deaths, criminal activities associated with substance abuse and repeated hospital admissions, thereby reducing the socio-economic burden on families and society. He said that expanding access to evidence-based treatment services is an integral part of Punjab's comprehensive strategy to eliminate drug abuse and safeguard the future of its youth.
The newly established clinic at Civil Hospital, Ludhiana, has been designed to provide holistic and patient-centred care through a multidisciplinary approach. In addition to daily supervised Methadone therapy, patients will receive comprehensive medical evaluation, psychiatric consultation, psychological counselling, behavioural interventions, relapse prevention services, family counselling, regular follow-up and social rehabilitation support. The integrated care model aims not only to treat opioid dependence but also to restore dignity, improve overall health and facilitate long-term recovery and reintegration into society.
In another significant step towards strengthening de-addiction services across Punjab, the Hon'ble Health Minister also virtually inaugurated five additional Methadone Maintenance Therapy (MMT) Clinics at District Hospital, Jalandhar; District Hospital, Gurdaspur; Government Medical College, Patiala; Mohali; and Faridkot. With the launch of these new facilities, the Punjab Government has substantially expanded its network of specialised opioid substitution therapy centres, ensuring greater accessibility to scientific treatment, counselling and rehabilitation services for individuals affected by opioid dependence across different regions of the State. Dr. Balbir Singh said this expansion reflects the Government's commitment to making quality de-addiction services available closer to communities and further strengthens the objectives of the "Yudh Nashian Virudh" campaign.
The Health Minister appreciated the dedicated efforts of the Department of Health & Family Welfare, the District Administration, healthcare professionals and all stakeholders involved in establishing these facilities. He expressed confidence that the newly launched clinics would emerge as important centres for evidence-based addiction treatment and would benefit patients by providing specialised services closer to their homes.
On the occasion, the Hon'ble Minister also interacted with healthcare professionals and reviewed the treatment and counselling facilities available at the clinic. He urged families to encourage individuals affected by opioid dependence to seek treatment without fear or stigma, reiterating that early intervention and sustained medical care can transform lives, restore hope and help individuals become productive members of society.
The District Health Administration, Ludhiana, appealed to the public to make full use of the specialised services available at the Methadone Maintenance Therapy Clinic and actively support the Government's efforts to build a healthy, progressive and drug-free Punjab. The inauguration of this facility under the "Yudh Nashian Virudh" campaign reflects the Punjab Government's steadfast commitment to strengthening public health systems and ensuring that every citizen has access to quality de-addiction treatment and rehabilitation services.
Among those present on the occasion were Daljeet Singh Grewal, MLA (Ludhiana East); Dr. Sandeep Bhola, Nodal Officer (Mental Health); Shalin Mitra, OSD to the Hon'ble Health Minister, Punjab; Dr. Ramandeep Kaur, Civil Surgeon, Ludhiana, along with senior officers of the Health Department, medical specialists, psychiatrists, healthcare professionals and officials of the District Administration. The dignitaries appreciated the establishment of the Methadone Maintenance Therapy Clinic and reiterated their collective commitment to strengthening evidence-based de-addiction services and ensuring accessible, compassionate and quality care for individuals affected by opioid dependence across the region.
"Every patient who chooses treatment takes the first step towards recovery. Every life reclaimed from addiction strengthens a family, empowers a community and brings Punjab closer to a drug-free future."