Chandigarh, 20 May (Kulbir Kalsi)- Seminar on ‘ROAD TO DRUG FREE PUNJAB’ was held at Punjab Bhawan Sector 3, Chandigarh, by Gurbakhsh Singh Dhillon Foundation on Thursday, 19.05.2022. Dr. Vijay Singla hon’ble minister for health and family welfare presided over as the chief guest. Dr. Anmol rattan Sidhu Advocate general Punjab and Sh. V.K.Bhawra IPS, DGP Punjab were the guest of honour. Gurdeepinder Singh Dhillon advocate, President of Gurbakhsh Singh Dhillon Foundation was the host of the seminar. Dr. Singla apprised the participants that the number of OOAT Clinics in the state has been increased from 200 to 500 and its execution is underway. He further emphasized on the need for cooperation between the Govt and other stake holders like doctors, recovering addicts, lawyers, police, and self help groups. Various experts in the field of de addiction presented their views on the subject, Renowned Psychiatrist Dr. Ashwin Mohan gave in insight into the medical aspect of addiction.
Sanjeev K from Alcoholics Anonymous and Jolly S from Narcotics Anonymous also shared their personal experiences. Sh. V.K Bhawra DGP Punjab expressed strong will for the eradication of the drug menace and sought cooperation from the society at large in this regard. He further proposed organizing of such seminars and sensitization of police force at the district level. Dr. Anmol Rattan Sidhu AG Punjab lauded the efforts of the govt and assured complete cooperation on the legal side. He also urged DGP and The Honble Minister to work in tandem with NGOs like the Gurbakhsh Singh Dhillon Foundation and start an awareness campaign in the age groups of 10-24 years in schools and colleges. Gurdeepinder Singh Dhillon suggested opening up of rehabilitation centers within the confines of jails of the state where the inmates and under trials could be rehabilitated before their release back into the society. Santokhwinder Singh Grewal president High Court Bar association and Sh. R.S. Randhawa Advocate also enlightened the panel on the legal dimension to the problem of drugs in the state.
