Photo Source: Babushahi Bureau
Over 90,000 drug victims receive treatment under ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ campaign: Punjab Govt
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, June 13, 2026: The Punjab Government’s flagship anti-drug campaign, ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’, has helped bring more than 90,000 individuals affected by substance abuse into de-addiction, treatment and recovery programmes across the state, Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh said on Saturday.
Launched on March 1, 2025, by the Government of Punjab, the campaign combines strict action against drug traffickers with large-scale efforts focused on prevention, rehabilitation, counselling and public awareness.
Dr Balbir Singh said that over 90,000 drug abuse victims were admitted to de-addiction centres and Outpatient Opioid Assisted Treatment (OOAT) facilities between March 2025 and May 2026, reflecting the government’s commitment to recovery and rehabilitation alongside law enforcement.
Emphasising the importance of community involvement, the minister said teachers, parents and local communities serve as the first line of defence against drug addiction. He noted that early signs of substance abuse often appear through behavioural changes such as mood swings, declining academic performance, social withdrawal, secrecy, financial demands and loss of interest in daily activities.
The minister urged parents to maintain open communication with their children, closely monitor behavioural changes and seek professional counselling or medical help at the earliest signs of addiction.
Officials associated with the campaign highlighted several success stories of individuals who have successfully overcome addiction through treatment and counselling. Beneficiaries said government-run de-addiction centres provided them with support, dignity and a path towards rebuilding their lives.
The Punjab Government reiterated that its strategy against drug abuse rests on three key pillars—de-addiction, rehabilitation and counselling—while continuing strong enforcement measures against drug networks. Authorities stressed that eliminating the drug menace requires collective efforts from families, schools, healthcare professionals and communities, in addition to police action.