A major step in healthcare took place when new AI devices launched in Punjab to detect cancer and vision problems early. On September 23, 2024, Punjab Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh announced the rollout of AI-enabled machines for breast cancer, cervical cancer, and vision screening. He called this launch a “historic leap forward” and noted that it is the first initiative of its kind in India.

Health

In Chandigarh, the Chandigarh Drug Rehab Centre faces challenges as patients struggle with recovery in limited facilities. The centre, run by the Society for Promotion of Youth and Masses (SPYM), is located near the Indian Air Force Heritage Centre between Sector 17 and 18. While it plays an important role, the lack of outdoor space raises serious concerns about patient well-being.

Patients at the SPYM centre remain indoors all the time because there is no place for outdoor activities. Without sunlight or fresh air, recovery becomes more difficult. Health experts say people in drug rehabilitation need physical activities such as gardening, sports, or walking outside. These activities help them heal and return to normal life.

Dr. Ajeet K Sidana, head of psychiatry at Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH-32), explains that patients dependent on drugs are not physically sick. Instead, they need structured outdoor activities to rebuild their lives. Keeping them locked inside 24×7 harms recovery.

The demand for treatment is increasing every year. In 2022, GMCH’s Drug De-Addiction Clinic saw over 2,440 patients, including 780 new cases. By 2023, that number rose to around 3,000, with 737 new patients. In 2024, the figures grew again to 3,156 patients, including 900 new ones. These individuals seek help for addictions to alcohol, opioids, cannabis, nicotine, and other substances.

Despite these numbers, Chandigarh has very limited inpatient care. Most patients only receive outpatient treatment, meaning they visit hospitals but do not stay overnight. PGIMER and GMCH-32 are the only facilities offering inpatient drug de-addiction care. Yet neither provides long-term rehabilitation services.

PGIMER often has long waiting lists because it serves patients from several regions. GMCH-32 has just eight beds for medicine-dependent patients. This shows how difficult it is for patients to find proper care. To make matters worse, the drug de-addiction centre at Government Multi-Specialty Hospital in Sector 16 has remained closed since 2020.

The only rehabilitation option left is the SPYM centre in Sector 18. It gets ₹13 lakh annually from the UT health department. However, its lack of outdoor and recreational facilities questions its effectiveness. The 2014 Chandigarh Substance Use Disorder Treatment, Counselling and Rehabilitation Centre Rules clearly require outdoor spaces and recreational activities. Without them, patients cannot receive the complete support they need.

Health officials admit the problem. Dr. Suman Singh, director of health and family welfare, stated that the centre lacks outdoor space due to infrastructure limits. Although other services are in place, this gap directly affects recovery.

Experts and community members now call for urgent reforms. Patients deserve better facilities, and the government must act quickly. With the rising number of cases, Chandigarh needs more centres with proper infrastructure, outdoor areas, and enough beds to meet the demand.

Recovery is possible when treatment facilities match patient needs. Outdoor activities, community engagement, and medical care together build a healthier environment. Without change, many patients will continue to struggle to find help.

In conclusion, the SPYM-run facility remains important but incomplete. The absence of outdoor space undermines patient healing. As demand continues to grow, the city must improve its infrastructure and services. Only then can recovery journeys succeed. Truly, Chandigarh Drug Rehab Centre faces challenges, and solving them is critical for public health.

Health

Dr. Balbir Launches Important Mental Health Project on a sunny Tuesday in Mohali, aiming to support rural communities struggling with mental health and substance use problems. The initiative, supported by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and guided by experts from PGIMER, Chandigarh, will bring screening and treatment directly to villages.

Dr. Balbir highlighted a serious gap in care, noting that only 10 to 25 out of every 100 people with mental health issues in India receive treatment. He explained that stigma, lack of awareness, poor access, and high costs prevent many from seeking help. By introducing doorstep screening and treatment, the project hopes to bridge this gap while reducing stigma.

Mental health remains as vital as physical health, yet villagers often lack access to proper services. Many avoid speaking about their struggles due to social stigma, fearing judgment or misunderstanding. This silence often delays treatment, worsening conditions. The new project aims to change attitudes through awareness, education, and treatment opportunities at the community level.

Moreover, trained professionals, guided by PGIMER experts, will work within rural areas to identify those in need, offer early support, and connect them to affordable or free treatment. Workshops and talks will help villagers understand conditions like anxiety, depression, and substance use, dismantling long-held misconceptions about mental illness.

Accessibility and affordability are central goals of the project. While urban areas often have hospitals and clinics, villagers must travel long distances and bear high costs. By offering free screening and linking people to low-cost services, the program removes key barriers to care.

Initially, the project will cover select villages in Mohali, with the possibility of expanding across Punjab if successful. Local health workers will monitor progress by tracking the number of screenings and treatments, ensuring continuous improvement.

In conclusion, Dr. Balbir Launches important Mental Health Project to make mental health care more accessible, affordable, and stigma-free in Punjab’s villages. This pilot effort marks a crucial step toward creating a supportive community where mental well-being is recognized and prioritized. 🌱