Ludhiana, May 19 -- To strengthen deaddiction services across Punjab, health minister Dr Balbir Singh announced the inclusion of private psychiatrists in government-run deaddiction centres. The move aims to address the growing patient load and improve the quality of care for individuals battling substance abuse.

Under the new initiative, private psychiatrists will provide consultations at government deaddiction centres for two hours each weekday. To encourage participation, the government has offered a remuneration of Rs.1,500 per hour. Psychiatrists will have the flexibility to choose their consultation timings to avoid clashes with their private practice.

A key highlight of the programme is the government's decision to allow participa...