A high-level stakeholder consultation on Drugs, HIV and Prison Health was held in Ludhiana on Friday to reaffirm Punjab’s commitment to ensuring comprehensive healthcare and rehabilitation for jail inmates. The event was organised by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in collaboration with the Punjab Prisons Department and the NGO TYCIA to mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

The day-long consultation brought together state officials, prison officials and healthcare experts from across Punjab and the country to focus on strengthening prison healthcare systems and rehabilitation services for inmates.

Addressing the inaugural session, Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Balbir Singh highlighted the state’s ongoing efforts to strengthen de-addiction and mental health services as part of the Bhagwant Mann Government’s Yudh Nashean Virudh campaign and stressed the importance of coordination among different stakeholders in addressing the challenges associated with substance use.

He added, “One of the key steps we have taken is to decriminalise drug addiction. There is a clear distinction between patients and peddlers. In the last one year and three months, over 10,000 addicts who would otherwise have been in jail have instead been admitted to de-addiction centres. We have also screened 25,000 inmates for Hepatitis, HIV and drug addiction. We believe that jails should function not merely as correctional institutions but also as places of treatment, rehabilitation and recovery. Punjab already has a network of OOAT clinics across prisons, helping inmates manage and recover from addiction. Apart from that, ITI courses for skill development, along with psychiatrists and counsellors, are available for inmates.”

Addressing prison officials from across the state, Punjab Jail Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh said, “Punjab stands first when it comes to convictions under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. Similarly, we must set an example for reformative justice as well. For the Mann Government, eradicating drugs from society and supporting every addict through adequate healthcare go hand in hand.”

The day-long event began with a discussion on emerging health challenges in prisons, followed by a special presentation by IG Prisons IAS Mohammad Tayyab. The event featured a series of thematic sessions focusing on challenges and possible solutions in prison settings, including prevention of drug use and communicable diseases, gender-responsive health services, and exploring the intersection between disability, substance use disorders and incarceration.

Experts from UNODC shared international protocols and global best practices relating to prison health and rehabilitation. The deliberations underlined that access to healthcare is a fundamental human right and that continuity of treatment and psychosocial support must be made available to inmates both during incarceration and after their release.

Speaking at the event, Ms. Seema Joshi, Criminal Justice Expert with the UNODC Regional Office for South Asia, said, “This year’s theme, ‘World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses,’ reminds us that while challenges continue to evolve, so too must our responses. Today is not only about acknowledging the impact of drugs on individuals, families and communities, but also about promoting solutions, partnerships and hope. Strengthening prison health, drug treatment and HIV services is a critical part of that response, helping individuals recover and reintegrate while building safer and healthier communities.”

Experts brainstormed on screening mechanisms, withdrawal management, opioid dependence treatment, psychosocial interventions and continuity of care. Educational tools, including specially designed games on drugs and HIV, were also introduced to facilitate engagement and awareness among stakeholders.

The discussions also centred on reproductive health, mental health support and continuity of care for women affected by substance use disorders during and after incarceration.

The consultation concluded with a resolution among all stakeholders to strengthen collaboration and adopt a comprehensive, rights-based approach to addressing substance abuse in custodial settings across the state.

Taking his government’s decisive ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ to the next level as Punjab steadily moves towards becoming drug-free, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday launched the ‘Soorma’ (Warrior) Campaign and honoured recovered youth with specially crafted ‘Soorma’ rings and T-shirts. Declaring it as the next phase of the state’s anti-drug movement, the Chief Minister said the initiative aims to transform recovered drug victims into Ambassadors of Hope who will lead the fight against addiction at the grassroots. Felicitating individuals who have remained drug-free for over two years, he announced that they will not only inspire others to overcome addiction but will also be provided employment opportunities by the state government.

Reiterating that sports is the most lethal weapon against the drug menace, he announced that by July 15, around 3,100 village sports grounds and 3,000 gyms will become operational across Punjab to channelise the energy of youth in a positive direction. He further said that the state’s simultaneous focus on quality education, universal healthcare, sports infrastructure and rehabilitation is laying the foundation for a drug-free and Rangla Punjab.

Sharing a few snippets, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated on X: “Today, we launched the Soorma Campaign and honoured young people who have emerged from the clutches of drug addiction to begin a new life. These inspiring youngsters, who have become role models for others, will also be provided employment opportunities by the Punjab Government.”

By July 15, 3,100 new sports grounds and 3,000 gyms will be ready for the youth across Punjab. Today, Punjab ranks No. 1 in the country in education, and 47 lakh families have already received ₹10 lakh Mukh Mantri Sehat Insurance Cards for free medical treatment.

The Sadak Surakhya Force (SSF) has reduced road accident fatalities by 50%, saving around 2,700 precious lives every year. When the intent is honest, nothing is impossible. Let us all come together to build a Rangla Punjab.

Addressing the gathering, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated that the youth present at the event had taken a historic step by overcoming addiction after losing everything to drugs. He said that today they were being honoured because they had displayed extraordinary courage in defeating addiction, despite the social stigma attached to it. “There is a huge social stigma associated with drug addiction. Once people come to know that someone is addicted to drugs, they even stop talking to that person. These young people have gone through that pain and trauma, but today they are ready for a new beginning and are prepared to serve society,” said CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.

The Chief Minister said, “These youth have overcome the illness of addiction and can now help others by sharing their own experiences. “The Punjab Government is continuously strengthening the rehabilitation of drug victims, and world-class rehabilitation centres equipped with modern facilities are already being established across the state,” he added.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann further announced that by July 15, around 3,100 village sports grounds and 3,000 gyms will become operational across Punjab to channelise the immense energy of the youth in a positive direction.

Congratulating all the recovered youth present at the function, the Chief Minister said that they have left behind a painful past and embraced a brighter future. He assured them that the Punjab Government would extend every possible support in this noble mission. “Only one colour now remains to complete the dream of Rangla Punjab, and that too will soon be filled because Punjab will soon become drug-free,” he said.

Highlighting the state’s achievements, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the Punjab Government has transformed the education sector by ensuring quality education in government schools, enabling Punjab to emerge as the number one state with a score of 27 by surpassing Kerala and several other states.

He said that education is the greatest tool for eradicating poverty. “Children studying in our schools will become senior officers tomorrow and help lift their families out of poverty. Cards or freebies alone cannot eliminate poverty, but education certainly has the power to do so,” he said.

The Chief Minister said that 17.47 lakh families out of nearly 65 lakh families in Punjab have already received Mukh Mantri Sehat Bima Cards, enabling them to avail free medical treatment. He added that beneficiaries have already received cashless treatment worth nearly ₹650 crore under the scheme.

Listing several other achievements of the state government, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Punjab is now using 80% canal water for irrigation, farmers are receiving electricity during daytime, the Sadak Surakhya Force (SSF) has already helped save around 3,000 lives in road accidents, nearly 90% of households are receiving free electricity, and numerous other welfare initiatives have significantly benefited the people.

The Chief Minister said that the function was organised to honour individuals who have successfully overcome drug addiction and maintained sobriety for more than two years. “These exemplary individuals are true ‘Soormas’ because they represent resilience, courage and victory over addiction. Today’s event marks another important chapter in Punjab’s ongoing fight against drug abuse,” he said.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that these Soormas would now work alongside the government as Ambassadors of Recovery, motivating countless others to overcome addiction and rebuild their lives.

The Chief Minister said that the launch of the Soorma Programme is a powerful testament to the transformational impact of comprehensive rehabilitation programmes and strong community support systems across Punjab. He said that the title “Soorma,” deeply rooted in Punjab’s heritage, symbolises warrior-like courage, perfectly reflecting the determination shown by these individuals in reclaiming their lives through unwavering willpower and complete commitment to recovery.

Reiterating the government’s resolve, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the our government remains fully committed to eliminating substance abuse while ensuring that every family affected by addiction receives the support needed for recovery.

The Chief Minister said that the state was celebrating not merely recovery but the rebirth of the human spirit. “These Soormas are beacons of hope for their families and society. Their journey proves that recovery is possible through determination, family support and access to quality healthcare facilities,” he said.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the AAP Government is committed to ensuring that every individual battling addiction receives proper treatment and is successfully reintegrated into society.

The Chief Minister said that these Soormas are living proof that timely intervention can rebuild lives that otherwise could have been lost to drugs. “The recovered individuals were honoured with specially carved Promise Rings and uniforms carrying the symbol of the Baaj, representing courage, strength and Punjabiyat in the mission for a drug-free Punjab,” he added.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the Soorma initiative reflects the Punjab Government’s unwavering commitment to combating drug abuse that has troubled the state for several years. “These individuals represent the true spirit of Yudh Nashean Virudh. Their hard work, resilience and determination are the pathway to building a Rangla Punjab,” he said.

The Chief Minister assured every Soorma of the government’s full support and cooperation, saying that they would now become ambassadors of hope by helping others overcome addiction. “The Punjab Government will continue investing in de-addiction centres, skill development programmes and efforts to eliminate the stigma surrounding addiction so that every recovered individual can lead a dignified life with better livelihood opportunities,” he added.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann also reiterated that while the government would take stringent action against those harming Punjab through drugs, it would continue extending unwavering support to every individual seeking help. “This is the very essence of Yudh Nashean Virudh Phase II,” he added.

The Chief Minister also launched an inspiring anthem dedicated to every individual fighting addiction and announced that the Soorma Programme would now reach every district and village across Punjab.

He said that individuals who have successfully completed de-addiction treatment and maintained abstinence for at least two years can register themselves for the programme by sending the message “Soorma” on WhatsApp to 9779142200.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that eligible individuals would be recognised for their exceptional courage and would serve as community champions in Punjab’s ongoing fight against drug abuse. “The Soorma initiative, the Punjab Government is creating a strong peer-led recovery network that will help rebuild lives and restore dignity while challenging the hopelessness associated with addiction,” he added.

He said that since the launch of Yudh Nashean Virudh nearly one year and three months ago, Punjab has recorded significant progress in its anti-drug campaign.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that state-of-the-art de-addiction centres equipped with modern treatment facilities, counselling services and aftercare support have been established across all districts of the state. He added that the Soorma Recognition Programme builds upon these achievements by reducing the stigma associated with addiction and recovery while creating peer support networks that encourage others battling addiction to seek treatment.

Cabinet Minister Dr. Balbir Singh and several other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.