Ludhiana, June 27 -- Punjab health minister Dr Balbir Singh on Friday inaugurated the state's first dedicated methadone maintenance therapy (MMT) clinic at the civil hospital here, while virtually launching five similar centres across Punjab to expand access to evidence-based treatment for people with opioid dependence.

The clinic has been established under the state's 'Yudh Nashian Virudh' campaign and will provide outpatient services, including supervised methadone therapy, psychiatric consultation, psychological counselling, relapse prevention, family counselling and regular follow-up. Patients will receive treatment at the clinic and return home the same day, while those requiring prolonged medical care or rehabilitation can be admit...