Himachal Pradesh Opens First Women's De-Addiction Centre

Himachal Pradesh has launched its first government-run de-addiction and rehabilitation centre exclusively for women, addressing gender-specific challenges in substance abuse. Under the Navjeevan initiative, the centre offers rehabilitation, counselling, and social reintegration while ensuring privacy and dignity. Expansion plans include a second centre in Kangra district.

In a groundbreaking development to tackle gender-specific challenges in substance abuse, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has inaugurated the state's inaugural government-run de-addiction and rehabilitation centre for women. This facility, part of the 'Navjeevan' initiative, provides comprehensive services ranging from rehabilitation and counselling to social reintegration specifically for women battling drug addiction.

The Chief Minister highlighted the government's awareness of the inadequacy in placing women in rehabilitation centres originally designed for men. He stressed that societal stigma and humiliation often deter women from seeking help. To counteract these barriers, the new centre ensures utmost confidentiality, privacy, and dignity for its patients.

Previously, the state's medical interventions through institutions like the Indira Gandhi Medical College in Shimla did not fully address the continuum of care. Chief Minister Sukhu acknowledged a significant gap in rehabilitation processes post-medical treatment. The 'Navjeevan' centre aims to fill this void by providing structured support, including focused counselling and social integration programs. As part of its expansion strategy, the government has approved a second de-addiction centre at the Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College in Kangra district.