Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh
Punjab is set to strengthen its fight against drug abuse and communicable diseases with the introduction of Triple H screening for HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C at government de-addiction and rehabilitation facilities.
The initiative is being undertaken as part of the Bhagwant Mann government's Yudh Nashean Virudh campaign and aims to provide more comprehensive healthcare to people undergoing treatment for substance-use disorders while helping prevent the spread of blood-borne infections.
Under the new system, screening will be directly integrated with the de-addiction and rehabilitation process rather than depending mainly on periodic camps. This is expected to provide more regular testing opportunities and enable healthcare teams to refer individuals for further investigations, treatment and continued medical care when required.
Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh said people with a history of injecting drug use face an increased risk of blood-borne infections, making early detection important for timely medical care and counselling.
“People with a history of injecting drug use face an increased risk of blood-borne infections, and early detection is important for timely medical care and counselling,” Dr Balbir Singh said.
He said the government's objective was not limited to helping people overcome addiction but also to support their overall health and rehabilitation.
“Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Yudh Nashean Virudh is leading a revolution towards a stronger, healthier and prosperous Punjab. Our goal is not simply to help people overcome addiction, but also to enable them to lead healthier lives and contribute to society,” he said.
