‘Yudh Nasheyan Virudh’ campaign gets a boost; Methadone therapy of international standards launched in Punjab

July 30, 2026

Strengthening the ongoing  ‘Yudh Nasheyan Virudh’ campaign, the Punjab government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, has launched Methadone Maintenance Therapy (MMT) for individuals battling severe opioid addiction. This treatment method is internationally recognized and considered an effective option for patients with long-term opioid dependence.

The Punjab government states that the initiative aims to provide scientific treatment to those struggling with substance abuse, facilitating better care, rehabilitation, and their reintegration into the social mainstream.

Patients to get an additional treatment option

Until now, opioid addiction treatment in Punjab was primarily conducted through over 500 Outpatient Opioid Assisted Treatment (OOAT) centers, utilizing buprenorphine-based therapy and de-addiction programs.

With the introduction of Methadone Maintenance Therapy, patients suffering from long-standing opioid dependence or those for whom previous treatments were not sufficiently effective will now have access to a superior treatment alternative.

Six Methadone clinics launched in Punjab

Six dedicated Methadone clinics have currently been launched in the state. These centers are operating at the Government Medical College (Faridkot), Civil Hospital (Ludhiana), Government Medical College (Patiala), and District Hospitals in Gurdaspur, Mohali, and Jalandhar.

The Punjab government plans to establish six additional Methadone centers in the near future, bringing the total number of such centers in the state to 12.

Health Minister highlights the initiative’s significance

Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Balbir Singh stated that the expansion of Methadone therapy is a crucial component of the government’s treatment-oriented strategy against drug abuse.

He noted that this facility would be particularly beneficial for individuals with high levels of opioid dependence who remain at risk of relapse. They stated that this treatment is being implemented in accordance with the guidelines of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the National AIDS Control Organization (NACO).

Counseling and Rehabilitation Facilities Alongside Treatment

The new methadone clinics will not be limited to merely dispensing medication. Patients will also receive psychological counseling, psychiatric advice, family counseling, relapse prevention services, and regular follow-up care under medical supervision.

Patients will be required to visit the clinic regularly to take their prescribed dosage, which will be administered under the supervision of doctors. This helps prevent the misuse of the medication and ensures the effectiveness of the treatment.

What is Methadone Maintenance Therapy?

Methadone is a scientifically proven medication used to treat individuals suffering from opioid use disorder. It is also included in the World Health Organization’s list of essential medicines.

This medication acts on the same opioid receptors in the brain that are affected by heroin and other opioids. When taken in controlled doses, it reduces intense drug cravings and helps manage withdrawal symptoms associated with quitting drug use.

Helping Patients Return to Normal Life

The goal of methadone treatment is to stabilize the patient’s health, enabling them to participate more effectively in their family, professional, and social lives.

According to experts, with regular monitoring and an appropriate treatment plan, the medication dosage can be gradually reduced as the patient’s condition improves over time.