Patiala, Nov. 9 -- Despite the Punjab government's high-profile anti-drug campaign Yudh Nashian Virudh, the state health department has not issued a single licence for a new private de-addiction centre or clinic since 2022.

State health minister Dr Balbir Singh said no fresh permissions have been granted to private individuals during this period. However, he did not explain the reason behind the freeze or clarify whether the government plans to reopen the licensing process.

Activists argue this multi-year freeze restricts the expansion of crucial health infrastructure during an ongoing addiction crisis.

The suspension has simultaneously increased pressure on the existing government-run treatment network and raised concerns about the pr...