Chandigarh: Punjab has witnessed a significant increase in admissions to government-run de-addiction and rehabilitation centres, with Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh describing the trend as an encouraging sign of growing public confidence in the state’s treatment infrastructure.
The rise has come amid the Punjab government’s ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ anti-drug campaign, which was launched in March 2025. Government data shows that admissions to de-addiction centres increased from 9,577 in 2024 to 25,290 in 2025, marking a jump of more than 164 per cent. The upward trend has continued in 2026, with more than 14,000 people admitted by July.
Rehabilitation Centres Also See Major Increase
The state’s government rehabilitation centres have recorded an even sharper rise in admissions. The number increased from 2,644 in 2024 to 8,574 in 2025, representing growth of more than 224 per cent.
By July 2026, more than 5,800 people had already been admitted to these rehabilitation centres. That figure represents nearly 68 per cent of the total admissions recorded during the whole of 2025.
The figures indicate that an increasing number of people affected by substance dependence are entering formal treatment and rehabilitation programmes instead of remaining outside the healthcare system.
OOAT Network Expands Access to Treatment
Punjab’s Outpatient Opioid-Assisted Treatment (OOAT) network has also recorded increased registrations.
New registrations rose from 13,033 in 2024 to 17,702 in 2025, while more than 12,500 new patients had registered with OOAT clinics by August 2026.
Together, de-addiction centres, rehabilitation facilities and OOAT clinics provide multiple avenues for people seeking assistance with substance dependence.
Dr Balbir Singh Says Public Attitude Is Changing
Dr Balbir Singh said the increase in admissions is one of the most encouraging indicators of the state’s anti-drug campaign.
He said more individuals are coming forward for treatment, while families are increasingly willing to seek institutional support for loved ones affected by addiction.
According to the minister, the increase suggests that treatment facilities are reaching people who might previously have remained outside the formal healthcare system.
Campaign Focuses on Enforcement, Treatment and Prevention
Dr Balbir Singh said ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ is based on three major pillars: strict enforcement against drug smugglers, treatment and rehabilitation for people affected by addiction, and prevention aimed at protecting children from drugs.
The government has also used provisions under Section 64A of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act to encourage eligible people struggling with addiction to seek treatment. As of August 27, 2026, more than 11,000 individuals had reportedly been granted immunity under the provision, subject to applicable legal conditions.
Focus Shifts Towards Recovery and Rehabilitation
The latest figures suggest that Punjab’s anti-drug strategy is increasingly combining enforcement with healthcare and rehabilitation.
Dr Balbir Singh said the objective is not only to address drug trafficking but also to help affected individuals recover, rebuild their lives and restore families impacted by substance abuse.
The sharp increase in admissions does not by itself measure treatment success or long-term recovery rates, but it does indicate that significantly more people are entering the state’s formal treatment network.
With admissions continuing to rise in 2026, the effectiveness of treatment, rehabilitation and post-treatment support will remain important factors in determining the long-term impact of Punjab’s anti-drug campaign.
Key Figures
| Indicator | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Government de-addiction admissions | 9,577 | 25,290 | 14,000+ by July |
| Rehabilitation admissions | 2,644 | 8,574 | 5,800+ by July |
| New OOAT registrations | 13,033 | 17,702 | 12,500+ by August |
Figures are based on government-related statements and reports published on September 7, 2026.
