Patiala, May 12 -- Punjab's efforts to combat drug abuse are being hampered due to shortage of psychiatrists, undermining the effectiveness of the state's anti-drug initiatives.

Despite intensified campaigns like "Yudh Nashian Virudh", the lack of mental health professionals, particularly in the health department, is hindering essential treatment services, such as safe and supervised withdrawal for addicts.

In Patiala, for instance, over 4,000 patients visit the district's 32 outpatient opioid-assisted treatment (OOAT) clinics daily, but there is only one psychiatrist to oversee these centres. Experts say that psychiatrists are essential for monitoring and adjusting opioid dosages, approving new patient registrations, and authorising ho...