Chandigarh: Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann on Friday gave in-principle approval for launching a pilot project in the border districts of Amritsar , Tarn Taran and Fazilka to strengthen psychosocial care alongside the existing medical treatment for people battling drug addiction at the OOAT (Outpatient Opioid Assisted Treatment) clinics and jails in Gurdaspur and Kapurthala.




The decision was taken during a meeting between the chief minister and a delegation of the Art of Living Foundation .




Mann said, “The initiative will introduce an Art of Living-based spiritual wellness programme aimed at bridging the crucial gap between medication-based treatment and sustained psychosocial rehabilitation. Although Punjab has expanded access to medication for people affected by drug addiction, retaining patients in treatment during the initial months remains a major challenge.”




“Along with medication, it is equally important to strengthen the mental resolve of a person undergoing de-addiction. De-addiction cannot be confined merely to medical treatment, as it is also a battle involving emotions and willpower,” he said.




The CM said the pilot wellness programme would complement existing clinical treatment and continue to be implemented with support from medical treatment staff. It has been designed in such a manner that trained local personnel will gradually take over its implementation, ensuring its sustained operation without dependence on external support, he added.




Mann also asked the Art of Living Foundation to undertake a pilot project in Mansa and Sangrur districts to explore and formulate comprehensive strategies for groundwater recharge and conservation.