Chandigarh: In a major initiative to reinforce mental health and de-addiction efforts across Punjab, Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh interacted with the inaugural batch of Leadership in Mental Health Programme (LMHP) fellows, highlighting the state government’s commitment to combating addiction and promoting mental well-being as part of the ongoing ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ campaign.
Addressing the fellows at Punjab Kisan Bhawan, Dr Balbir Singh described them as “lighthouses” in the fight against substance abuse. He likened a person struggling with addiction to “a stormy sea — turbulent and directionless,” adding that just as lighthouses guide ships to safety, the LMHP fellows will guide individuals and families toward recovery and stability.
Dr Balbir Singh: LMHP Fellows to Strengthen Punjab’s Public Health and De-Addiction Systems
The Health Minister emphasized that the fellows’ role is both significant and transformative. While the journey will require patience, resilience, and compassion, he said the reward of seeing lives restored from addiction is immeasurable. The fellows will be integrated into the public health framework to strengthen systems, standardize processes, improve monitoring, and build institutional capacity across districts.
ਅੱਜ ਚੰਡੀਗੜ੍ਹ ਵਿਖੇ ‘ਯੁੱਧ ਨਸ਼ਿਆਂ ਵਿਰੁੱਧ’ ਮੁਹਿੰਮ ਤਹਿਤ ਲੀਡਰਸ਼ਿਪ ਇਨ ਮੈਂਟਲ ਹੈਲਥ ਪ੍ਰੋਗਰਾਮ ਦੇ ਫੈਲੋਜ਼ ਨਾਲ ਕਿਸਾਨ ਭਵਨ ਵਿੱਚ ਮੁਲਾਕਾਤ ਕੀਤੀ। ਇਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਨੌਜਵਾਨਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਨਸ਼ਾ ਛੁਡਾਊ ਕੇਂਦਰਾਂ ਅਤੇ ਓਟ ਸੈਂਟਰਾਂ ਰਾਹੀਂ ਕਾਉਂਸਲਿੰਗ ਕਰਕੇ ਨਸ਼ਿਆਂ ਦੇ ਖ਼ਾਤਮੇ ਲਈ ਅਹਿਮ ਭੂਮਿਕਾ ਨਿਭਾਉਣ ਦੀ ਅਪੀਲ ਕੀਤੀ। ਮਾਨ ਸਰਕਾਰ ਨਸ਼ਾ ਮੁਕਤ ਪੰਜਾਬ… pic.twitter.com/HVQYvRZ7CP
— Dr Balbir Singh (@AAPbalbir) February 18, 2026
Describing the LMHP as a pioneering initiative, Dr Balbir Singh noted that it is India’s first fellowship dedicated exclusively to addressing substance abuse through systemic mental health strengthening. Designed in collaboration with the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, the program deploys trained mental health professionals across districts to provide supervision, capacity building, monitoring, and coordination support to de-addiction centres, OOAT centres, and district administrations.
The Health Minister further explained that the fellows will actively engage with schools, colleges, and communities to prevent drug use among youth, integrating prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation into a comprehensive public health approach.
Dr Balbir Singh stressed that drug abuse is not just a Punjab-specific challenge but a national public health concern requiring sustained structural interventions. He expressed confidence that the LMHP model could serve as a replicable framework for other states across India.
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Highlighting the broader vision of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s government, Dr Balbir Singh said Punjab has prioritized health, education, and access to clean drinking water as key indicators of human development. Strengthening mental health services and combating substance abuse remain central to ensuring equitable and accessible public health for all.
The Health Minister extended his best wishes to the fellows, encouraging them to uphold professional and ethical excellence while contributing meaningfully to Punjab’s ongoing battle against addiction.