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Hepatitis in Punjab: Rising Cases and Treatment Efforts
Understanding Hepatitis
Hepatitis is a medical term that describes the inflammation of the liver, a critical organ responsible for numerous essential functions such as detoxification, protein production, and assisting in digestion.

Hepatitis in Punjab has emerged as a serious public health challenge, with rising cases linked to intravenous drug use and poor preventive practices. Hepatitis, an inflammation of the liver, disrupts vital functions such as detoxification and protein production, often leading to severe complications. Viral forms like hepatitis A, B, C, and E account for most infections globally, and July 28, observed as World Hepatitis Day, underscores the urgency of tackling this preventable disease.
Hepatitis A and E usually spread through contaminated food or water, often causing jaundice, while severe cases can progress to acute liver failure. In contrast, hepatitis B and C spread through infected blood or bodily fluids, with chronic infections leading to cirrhosis, end-stage liver disease, or liver cancer.
Punjab has become a high-burden state for hepatitis C, largely due to widespread intravenous drug abuse. Experts at PGIMER note that the outpatient liver clinic alone sees nearly 1,000 chronic viral hepatitis patients every year. To counter this crisis, Punjab introduced the decentralized ECHO hub-and-spoke model, which has gained national and international recognition for improving access to diagnosis and treatment.
Alarming trends also show a surge in hepatitis A cases, with nearly half of the acute liver failure admissions at PGIMER linked to this virus. Doctors warn of its atypical presentation, including prolonged jaundice and severe itching, sometimes requiring advanced treatments like plasma exchange.
Vaccination remains one of the strongest preventive measures. Experts stress the importance of hepatitis B vaccination within 24 hours of birth to curb mother-to-child transmission. Alongside, maintaining hygiene, consuming safe food and water, avoiding intravenous drug use, ensuring sterilized equipment for tattoos and piercings, and practicing safe sex are essential steps to reduce infection risks.
Regular testing is equally critical since chronic hepatitis often shows no early symptoms. Individuals with prior transfusions, drug use, or family history of liver disease, as well as pregnant women, are urged to prioritize early screening.
Government support through the National Viral Hepatitis Control Program provides free diagnosis and treatment at facilities like PGIMER and district hospitals across Punjab, with cure rates proving highly encouraging.
As World Hepatitis Day draws near, experts emphasize that awareness, prevention, and timely treatment are vital to reducing the burden of Hepatitis in Punjab. Collective action from authorities, healthcare professionals, and communities can pave the way toward a healthier and safer future.
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Chandigarh Study Shows Hope for Diabetes Remission
Diabetes is a serious health issue for many people in India.

Chandigarh study shows hope for diabetes remission, giving new light to people living with Type 2 diabetes in India. A team at PGIMER Chandigarh, led by Dr. Rama Walia, carried out this research and showed that a smart mix of medicines and lifestyle changes can make a big difference. The results were inspiring; around 31% of patients in the study managed to achieve remission, meaning they controlled their blood sugar without taking regular medicines.
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New AI Devices Launched in Punjab to Detect Cancer Early
The Punjab government is taking a big step to help detect cancer early.

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.
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Chandigarh Drug Rehab Centre Faces Challenges in Recovery
In Chandigarh, there is a drug rehabilitation centre run by the Society for Promotion of Youth and Masses (SPYM).

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.
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