HISTORIC OOAT CLINIC INAUGURATED IN

Hoshiarpur / Daljeet Ajnoha/June 6 : In a bid to strengthen the campaign against drug addiction, an OOAT (Outpatient Opioid Assisted Treatment) clinic was inaugurated today in the historic village of Bajvara by Hoshiarpur MLA Brahm Shankar Jimpa. The event was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Dr. Nidhi Kumud (PCS), Dr. Swati Shimar, Deputy Medical Commissioner and Member Secretary of the District De-addiction and Rehabilitation Society, Senior Medical Officer in-charge Block Harta Badla Dr. Manpreet Singh Bains, Medical Officer Dr. Jasleen Kaur, Manager Nisha Rani, counsellors Prashant Adya and Amandeep Tiwari, along with panchayat representatives, local leaders, ASHA workers, social workers and villagers.
Addressing the inauguration, MLA Brahm Shankar Jimpa said the Punjab government is determined to eradicate the scourge of drug abuse. He said the 16 OOAT clinics currently operating in Hoshiarpur district play an important role in providing standard, safe and scientific treatment to those affected by addiction, where patients can receive free treatment without any fear or hesitation. With the opening of the OOAT clinic in Bajwara village, youths will no longer have to travel long distances for treatment. Patients willing to quit addiction will be provided free medications, counselling and psychological support under specialist doctors’ supervision at the village level. This will not only improve patients’ health but also strengthen their social and family life. He reiterated that the Punjab government is fully committed to rescuing youth from the quagmire of addiction.
Deputy Medical Commissioner Dr. Swati Shimar said OOAT services are proving highly beneficial for patients dependent on drugs, and many are returning to normal life through these services. She added that the biggest advantage of an OOAT clinic is that patients do not need to be admitted to hospital; affected youths can come daily to receive their medication and continue their regular work or studies. She said the clinics ensure full confidentiality so patients can seek treatment without social fear or reluctance. During the ceremony, counsellor Prashant Adya delivered an awareness message about the harmful effects of drugs and urged young people to engage in sports, education and other constructive activities.
Senior Medical Officer Dr. Manpreet Singh Bains said the clinic will be a boon for Bajvara and dozens of surrounding villages. Earlier, people had to travel to major city hospitals for treatment, wasting time and money, but now the facility is available nearby. He said, in addition to de-addiction treatment, mental counselling for youths will be provided so they can regain good health and rejoin the mainstream of society. He appealed to residents to fulfill their social responsibility in ending drug use and to encourage those in need to take advantage of the OOAT clinic’s services.
The ceremony concluded with the village panchayat and dignitaries praising the government and health department’s initiative and pledging full support to make the village drug-free.