Punjab’s Journey to Wellness: A Transformative Step for Mental Health by the Health Department, Punjab

Punjab is at a critical juncture in its battle against the alarming rise in substance dependence and mental health challenges. The 2022 PGIMER Chandigarh report revealed that nearly 15% of Punjab’s population, amounting to 4 million, struggles with addiction, with opioid abuse—particularly heroin (Chitta) and intravenous drug use-posing a dire public health crisis. Addressing this requires an integrated approach, leveraging the synergy of government, social sector, and private healthcare stakeholders.

I commend the visionary leadership of Dr. Balbir Singh, Honourable Health Minister of Punjab, for convening “Punjab’s Journey to Wellness: With Psychological Well-Being,” a landmark expert consultation that united leading psychiatrists, policymakers, and healthcare professionals. This initiative aims to position Punjab as a frontrunner in implementing a comprehensive State Mental Health Policy, emphasizing awareness, prevention, and holistic rehabilitation.

The session saw the presence of esteemed experts, including Sh. Kumar Rahul (Principal Secretary, Health Department), Sh. Anurag Kundu IAS (Member, Punjab Development Commission), Project Director PSACS Varinder Kumar Sharma, MD NHM Ghanshyam Thori , ADGP Nilabh Kishore, Professor AIIMS Delhi, Dr. Atul Ambekar , Professor and Head Dept. of Psychiatry PGI Dr. Debasis Basu , Director Health and Family Welfare Dr. Hitinder Kaur, Director (ESI) Dr. Jaspreet Kaur, Director Medical Education Dr. Avneet Kumar, APD Dr. Bobby Gulati, AD (Mental Health) Dr. Sandeep Bhola, Dr. Neelam Kaur , Advisor Education & Healthcare, The Kalgidhar Trust - Baru Sahib , Advocate Jastej Singh (Representative, AG Punjab), as well as representatives from Narcotics Anonymous and the Association of Psychiatrists.

With decades of experience in addiction treatment and mental health, I anticipate this policy to be a transformative milestone. It must ensure streamlined service delivery, fostering collaboration between government agencies and social organizations such as the Akal Drug De-Addiction Centre under the aegis of The Kalgidhar Trust, guided by the divine blessings of Sant Attar Singh, Sant Teja Singh, and Sant Baba Iqbal Singh. Their mission of transcendence personal spiritual growth to address the socio-economic and moral fabric of Punjab, ensuring a future free from addiction.

Key Policy Imperatives for Immediate Implementation:

1.??? Addressing the Shortage of Mental Health Professionals Punjab faces a dire shortage of psychiatrists, with only 0.4 per lakh population (2017), far below the WHO-recommended 3 per lakh. The policy must enable trained psychologists and medical officers to provide addiction treatment under the guidance of psychiatrist (even using Tele-Medicine Practice), particularly in rural areas.

2.??? Efficient Medication Management Administrative burdens hinder psychiatrists from focusing on patient care. Medical Officers (MOs) should be authorized to dispense Buprenorphine-Naloxone (BNX) to enhance treatment accessibility while ensuring regulatory compliance. BNX tab is an effective useful safe drug. The present regulation focuses on BNX tab management rather than patient.

3.??? Streamlining Licensing & Renewal Processes Implement an auto-renewal mechanism for de-addiction centres that apply on time, preventing service disruptions. Clear timelines and accountability measures must be established for approval processes.

4.??? Support Framework for NGOs & Not-for-Profit Centres A differentiated compliance model should be introduced to recognize the public service role of not-for-profit de-addiction centres. Government grants and capacity-building support should be extended to sustain their impact.

5.??? Health Insurance Inclusion Mental health and addiction treatment must be incorporated into medical insurance schemes, covering outpatient rehabilitation services.

6.??? Incentivizing Treatment-Seeking Behaviour Shift from punitive approaches to positive reinforcement, introducing financial and social incentives for individuals completing treatment programs.

The success of Punjab’s wellness journey lies in a concerted effort that aligns policy, medical expertise, and community-driven initiatives. With decisive action and an unwavering commitment, we can rebuild lives, restore hope, and safeguard Punjab’s future.