Punjab Launches Methadone Therapy for Opioid Addiction

In a significant stride against drug abuse, the Punjab government has introduced Methadone Maintenance Therapy (MMT) for individuals suffering from severe opioid dependence. This internationally accepted treatment option is now available at six dedicated clinics strategically located across Punjab, including Faridkot, Ludhiana, Patiala, Gurdaspur, Mohali, and Jalandhar. The state plans to expand this network by establishing six more MMT centers within the coming months, bringing the total to twelve facilities.

The newly established clinics offer a comprehensive treatment approach. Patients will receive supervised methadone therapy, complemented by psychological counseling, psychiatric consultation, relapse prevention services, and family support. This initiative is part of the state's "Yudh Nashean Virudh" campaign, prioritizing rehabilitation and recovery for those at high risk of relapse.

Health and Family Welfare Minister Balbir Singh stated that MMT adheres to World Health Organization (WHO) and National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) guidelines. It serves as an additional treatment option for patients with long-term opioid dependence who have shown limited response to conventional therapies, such as Buprenorphine-based Opioid Substitution Therapy or abstinence-based rehabilitation. The government anticipates that this expanded, comprehensive approach will significantly improve recovery outcomes and aid patients in successfully reintegrating into their families and society.