Punjab News: Bhagwant Mann's Govt Launches Biometric System for Drug De-Addiction Monitoring

The Punjab government is taking a significant step to combat substance abuse by launching a centralized platform to manage and monitor patient registration across various Outpatient Opioid Assisted Treatment (OOAT) and private de-addiction centres. This initiative aims to prevent the misuse of detoxification medicine Buprenorphine, improve patient care, and streamline drug supply chain management.

Biometric-Based System to Monitor Detox Medication and Improve Patient Care

Currently, nearly 10 lakh substance abuse patients are receiving treatment in Punjab, with approximately seven lakh being treated at private centres and the remaining three lakh at government-run facilities. The state has around 180 private centres and 590 OOAT clinics catering to these patients. The centralized platform seeks to enhance Punjab's de-addiction efforts by creating a unified system for tracking patients and ensuring quality care.

Punjab Government Introduces Centralized Platform to Strengthen Drug De-Addiction Efforts

The state health department has developed a drug de-addiction registry portal that uses Aadhaar-based biometric authentication to assign a unique identification number to each patient. This system ensures secure and accurate record-keeping while safeguarding patient privacy through a secure data vault for Aadhaar-related information.

The biometric system will enable the government to monitor the dispensing of Buprenorphine at treatment centres closely. By doing so, it aims to enhance accountability, reduce the possibility of malpractice, and ensure that the medication reaches those in genuine need.

Health officials believe this initiative will transform Punjab's approach to tackling drug addiction, emphasizing transparency, efficiency, and improved patient outcomes. By integrating technology and centralized data management, the government aims to make a significant impact on the ongoing battle against substance abuse in the state. This initiative marks a crucial step toward a healthier and drug-free Punjab.