ASHISHPURI
Punjab Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh on Thursday unveiled a unique program ‘Integrated Health Model’ as a pilot project in the district to identify women, who are indulged in drug abuse, and provide them with necessary treatment & healthcare services so that they could get good health and social status.
While launching the project in Kapurthala, the Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh said that the Punjab Government had launched this project in association with Alliance India and Gilead, which, he assured, would be immensely beneficial for the women taking drugs. He said that it was high time to identify these women and ensure proper medical facilities and healthcare services for them.
The Minister said that the pilot project, if successful, would be replicated in other districts too so that these women could be involved in skill development activities. He said that those women willing to get admission to the Drug De-Addiction and Rehabilitation Centre would be imparted skill development training in beauty parlors, boutiques, and embroidery as well as yoga and recreational classes.
Pointing out that, Dr. Balbir said, these women need integrated health and prevention services to overcome the challenges associated with their drug use. He hoped that this unique initiative of Alliance India and Gilead would help in addressing this sensitive issue.
Pertinently, the pilot project in the district will be led by the Deputy Medical Commissioner Dr. Sandeep Bhola while the Minister will personally monitor the developments under this endeavour. Briefing about the project, Dr. Sandeep Bhola said that the teams of both groups would associate with the health department’s officials to identify and bring the drug abuse women to rehabilitation and OOAT centers for treatment.