Patiala, March 15 -- The Punjab government has restricted treatment at its government-run drug de-addiction facilities and Outpatient Opioid Assisted Treatment (OOAT) clinics exclusively to residents of the state, shutting the doors on addicts from neighbouring states seeking rehabilitation in Punjab.

As per an order issued on March 9 by the directorate of health and family welfare, treatment services at government de-addiction centres, rehabilitation centres and OOAT clinics across the state will now be available only to patients holding a valid Punjab domicile.

"Treatment services at Government De-addiction Centres, Government Rehabilitation Centres, and Government OOAT Clinics within the state shall be made available only to patients...