E-Paper
No takers for newly-inaugurated drug rehab centre at SBS Nagar
The rehabilitation centre inaugurated by state health minister Surjeet Kumar Jyani on September 1is yet to see light of the day. The government owned centre was opened for long time rehabilitation of drug addicts.
The rehabilitation centre inaugurated by state health minister Surjeet Kumar Jyani on September 1 is yet to see light of the day. The government owned centre was opened for long time rehabilitation of drug addicts.
The centre is proving to be a ‘white elephant’ as it was built in the old building of civil hospital on the backside of senior superintendent of police’s office. The rehab was built at the cost of Rs 1.42 crore by government and was proposed with a capacity of 50-beds. The district has two drug de-addiction centres out of which one is being run by Red Cross Society in the city.
Another is being operated by health department in Balachaur sub-division. A district level de-addiction and rehabilitation society under the concerned deputy commissioner (DC) has been established in each district.
To manage these centres manpower is being appointed at district level with state approval.
“If the rehab centre becomes functional with the much-needed equipment and staff, it will be easier for patients,” said a senior doctor. “Patients can be engaged in recreational facilities including yoga, music exercise and can be kept them away from drugs,” said the doctor. “Government is not serious towards these centres and they are being inaugurated keeping in view the upcoming elections,” he said. “There is no staff and instruments even after one and half month of inauguration,” he said. “Slashing admission rates from Rs 200 to Rs 50, will not fulfil any purpose,” he added.
As the district administrative complex building has been demolished, some government offices will be shifted to the centre and we cannot deny, said a source.
“We are in process of appointing staff,” said chief medical officer Dr Maninder Minhas. For equipments, matter has been taken up with state health department, Minhas added.
