26/06/2026
Marking the World Drug Day, prison officials and healthcare experts from Punjab🇮🇳 reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen prison health, drug treatment and rehabilitation, through a high-level consultation convened by UNODC with the Punjab Prisons Department and TYCIA Foundation.
Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh highlighted health-centred responses under Yudh Nashean Virudh campaign, calling for expanded de-addiction/HIV services. "We distinguish patients from peddlers. Jails must be places of treatment, rehab and recovery."
Punjab's Jail Minister Dr Ravjot Singh reaffirmed the Government's commitment to reformative justice. "Punjab is leading on NDPS convictions. We must also lead in rehabilitation by ensuring every person battling addiction receives the healthcare and support needed for recovery."
Bringing together prison leaders, health experts and policymakers, the consultation focused on strengthening prison health through:
✅Drug dependence treatment
✅HIV and communicable disease prevention
✅Gender-responsive services
✅Continuity of care
✅Psychosocial interventions
UNODC's Criminal Justice Expert Seema Joshi Arya underscored the need for innovative, people-centred responses to evolving drug challenges. "Strengthening prison health, drug treatment and HIV services is key to recovery, reintegration and safer communities."
Government of Punjab Bhagwant Mann UNODC - United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime
