Government to set up 17 centres in Haryana to tackle drug abuse

Gurgaon: Haryana treated 36,684 patients with minor addictions in OPDs, while 2,651 severe cases required hospitalisation this financial year. The state identified 7,521 people with drug addiction and plans to establish 17 new de-addiction centres across the state.

"The highest number of addiction cases were found in Sirsa district. All districts must ensure the availability of qualified and necessary staff at de-addiction centres," said Dr Brahmadeep, director of health services.

The Food and Drug Administration Department was directed to regularly inspect medical stores, monitor the sale of drugs under schedules H and X that have a high potential for drug abuse, and take strict action against those selling banned drugs.

Health minister Aarti Rao directed officials, "Simplify and make free addiction treatment easily accessible at govt de-addiction centres. Keep the identities of patients confidential during treatment." She also encouraged parents to monitor their children's habits closely. Last year, the licences of 33 de-addiction centres were revoked due to regulatory violations.

The 17 new de-addiction centres will be established under a Central scheme sponsored by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.

A total of 161 de-addiction centres were established in the last five years. The Haryana police is ramping up its fight against drug trafficking and abuse. Last year, the Haryana State Narcotics Control Bureau registered 4,505 FIRs against drug addicts, and 7,523 people were identified to be involved in drug addiction.

The conviction rate, according to officials, under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, increased from 48per cent in 2023 to 54per cent in 2024.

A total of 3,445 villages and 774 wards have been declared drug-free in the state in the past few years, with no active drug dealers in these areas, and addicts are receiving treatment at de-addiction centres. Around 26,000 drug peddlers were arrested and sent to prison over the past 5 years. Last year alone, nearly 5,000 individuals were arrested for drug-related crimes, including 1,000 identified as major drug traffickers, with large quantities of drugs seized from them. The govt has also started the MANAS helpline, which encourages drug addicts to seek treatment at de-addiction centres.

The state has also established 'Antar-Rajyastariya Sachiwalya' in Panchkula to enhance cooperation with neighbouring states in the fight against drug trafficking.