Punjab: 20,000 opioid substitute tablets stolen from Dhuri govt hospital

Punjab health minister Dr Balbir Singh admits security lapse; says internal involvement will be probed as theft of de-addiction pills recurs at the hospital.

Thieves decamped with over 20,000 buprenorphine tablets, used in opioid substitution therapy, and a computer from the sub-divisional hospital in Dhuri on Tuesday.

Police investigating the theft of over 20,000 buprenorphine tablets and a computer from the sub-divisional hospital in Dhuri on Tuesday.

The incident marks a security breach at the facility, which saw a similar theft of 9,000 tablets in April last year.

Medical officer Dr Saloni said the staff had secured the storeroom with double locks before leaving. “When we returned for duty today, we found the locks broken and the room ransacked,” she said, adding that the Senior Medical Officer and local police have been briefed.

Punjab health minister Dr Balbir Singh visited the hospital for an inspection following the report. Acknowledging a lapse in security, the minister said that similar thefts have been reported in other districts, including Moga. “The accused will be arrested soon. We are also looking into internal accountability; if any employee is found complicit, strict action will be taken,” he said.

The minister questioned the motive, noting that since the government provides these medicines free of cost to registered patients, the theft suggests an illegal trade.