Punjab News: Bhagwant Mann Govt Cracks Down on De-Addiction Drug Theft; Biometric System to Secure 700+ Clinics

The Bhagwant Mann government in Punjab is stepping up its fight against drug abuse with a strict crackdown on the theft of de-addiction medicines. Amid continuous arrests of drug mafias and seizures of illegal substances, a new security measure is being introduced to curb the misuse of de-addiction drugs. To tackle rising complaints of medicine theft and illegal distribution, the government is rolling out a biometric verification system across 700+ clinics in the state.

Bhagwant Mann Govt’s New Initiative to Secure De-Addiction Medicines

As per government records, around 10 lakh patients in Punjab rely on Buprenorphine tablets for de-addiction treatment. These medicines are distributed only through designated government hospitals and registered private clinics. However, cases of theft and illegal sale of these medicines have raised serious concerns.

Adding to the problem, some patients were found using fake identity cards to collect medicines from multiple locations. In response, the Bhagwant Mann government has introduced a two-step biometric verification system under the Opioid-Assisted Treatment (OOAT) program.

How Will the Biometric System Work?

The new biometric security measure aims to ensure that de-addiction medicines reach only the intended patients. Under this system:

Step 1: When a patient visits an OOAT center, their fingerprint will be scanned to verify their identity and register their entry.

Step 2: A second biometric verification will be required at the time of medicine dispensation by the doctor.

Aadhaar Linkage: To enhance security, biometric registration will be linked with Aadhaar cards, preventing duplication and fraud.

Biometric System to Be Rolled Out Across Punjab

The trial run of this biometric system is currently in progress. Once officially implemented, it will be introduced across all government and registered private clinics providing de-addiction treatment.

This move by the Bhagwant Mann government marks a significant step in Punjab’s ongoing battle against drug abuse. By tightening security at de-addiction centers, the state aims to prevent medicine theft and ensure genuine patients receive proper treatment.