–Task force formed for eradication of narcotics across province
LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar on Monday inaugurated a 100-bed drug rehabilitation centre at the Punjab Institute of Mental Health.
He went to different sections including the gymnasium and inquired after the patients. A patient presented a painting, made by him, to the CM. Buzdar also planted a sapling and prayed for the success of trees plantation campaign.
Talking on the occasion, he said that addicts deserve sympathies, instead of hatred, as their presence is no less than a social tragedy. He said, “It would be a cruelty to leave them at others mercy. Different problems arise due to the menace of narcotics.”
“The whole family suffers due to the presence of an addict and it is the responsibility of the state to help such helpless people,” he said and added that the PTI government strongly believes in the philosophy of a welfare state instead of ruling the people.
CM Buzdar said that Punjab government has established a specialised institution to bring the addicts towards life. “Such people would be rehabilitated by imparting different vocational skills. It is hoped that addicts would become self-reliant after their treatment and the government will treat them to pay them back the joys of happiness,” he said.
The chief minister said that a state-of-the-art hospital has been established with an amount of Rs 240 million to treat the people suffering from narcotics. Quality healthcare facility will be available to the patients in this hospital, he said.
Talking to the media, the chief minister said that a task force has been set up for running the hospital and eradication of narcotics in which provincial minister for health and minister for narcotics control will also be given representation.
CM Buzdar informed that every sort of facility has been provided to former prime minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif for the treatment, adding that his medical reports are public. He said that the performance of provincial ministers is being monitored regularly and cabinet can be reshuffled if needed.
“Fayyazul Hassan Chohan is like a brother to us,” he said and added that improvement in the health sector is a top priority.
He said funds will be spent on a priority basis for the development of backward areas, assuring that a comprehensive wheat procurement policy has been devised and the provincial ministers will also be in the field in this regard.
