Punjab’s Drug Rehab Reality – Part 1
Punjab’s long-running drug crisis has given rise to a parallel and largely unregulated industry of private de-addiction centres. Marketed as places of recovery and reform, many of these centres operate quietly in farmhouses, rented buildings, or isolated properties. While they promise quick and complete cures, disturbing questions are emerging about what actually happens behind their closed doors.
This investigation by Punjab Sarokar News examines whether some de-addiction centres are providing legitimate medical treatment — or subjecting vulnerable patients to abuse, illegal detention, and financial exploitation.
A Growing Industry Born Out of Desperation
Families affected by addiction often approach de-addiction centres in moments of extreme distress. With limited public facilities and long waiting lists, private centres become the default option. Many advertise “guaranteed recovery” and complete confidentiality, charging hefty fees in advance.
However, complaints reviewed by Punjab Sarokar News suggest that desperation is being monetised, and in some cases, exploited.
Medical Supervision Under Question
Under Indian health regulations, de-addiction treatment must be conducted under qualified medical supervision, involving psychiatrists, trained doctors, and proper treatment protocols.
Yet, multiple complaints and testimonies indicate that some private centres allegedly operate without full-time doctors. Day-to-day control is reportedly handed over to untrained staff, counsellors without recognised qualifications, or former addicts acting as supervisors. Families claim that medicines are administered without proper prescriptions, and informed consent for treatment methods is often missing.
In several cases, relatives say they were never introduced to a doctor at all.
Financial Pressure on Families
Another major concern is the financial model followed by many centres. Families report being asked to pay large lump-sum amounts ranging from tens of thousands to several lakhs of rupees. Receipts, fee breakups, or treatment plans are frequently not provided.
Once payment is made, communication is often restricted. Families allege they are warned against removing patients early, sometimes being told it could result in death or relapse — statements made without documented medical backing.
Allegations of Abuse and Deaths
Over the years, Punjab has witnessed multiple FIRs and media reports related to deaths and alleged abuse inside de-addiction centres. Former patients have spoken of physical punishment, forced confinement, denial of food, and harsh disciplinary practices being used in the name of treatment.
While not all centres are accused of wrongdoing, the absence of consistent inspections allows illegal practices to continue unchecked.
Licensing, Inspections, and Oversight Gaps
The Punjab Health Department is responsible for licensing and monitoring de-addiction centres. However, available records suggest inspections are irregular and enforcement uneven. Some centres allegedly shut down temporarily after complaints, only to reopen under different names or management.
This raises a critical question: if illegal or non-compliant centres are known locally, why do they continue to operate?
Police and Institutional Accountability
Families also allege reluctance on the part of local police to register complaints, particularly in non-fatal cases. Complaints are often redirected between departments, delaying action. In many instances, serious intervention occurs only after deaths or widespread public attention.
Why This Story Matters
Drug addicts are patients, not criminals. Abuse within treatment facilities violates medical ethics, legal safeguards, and basic human rights. With Punjab’s youth particularly vulnerable, unregulated centres risk deepening trauma instead of enabling recovery.
This investigation highlights the urgent need for transparent regulation, regular inspections, and accountability.
What Comes Next
Punjab Sarokar News is continuing to examine:
- FIRs and post-mortem reports
- Medical prescriptions and patient records
- Licensing data of de-addiction centres
- Testimonies of former patients and families
Upcoming parts in this series will focus on district-wise data, survivor accounts, and official responses from the Health Department.
Sources: Punjab & Haryana High Court records, Punjab Police FIRs, Punjab Health Department guidelines, Punjab Vidhan Sabha replies, and reports by The Tribune, Indian Express, and Hindustan Times.
This report was prepared with the assistance of AI tools
Disclaimer 1) This report is based on the review of publicly available court records, police FIRs, government guidelines, and media reports. Punjab Sarokar News has not independently verified every allegation mentioned in official complaints. All references to misconduct are based on records, testimonies, or allegations as documented by authorities.
2)Punjab Sarokar News does not claim that all de-addiction centres operate illegally or engage in abuse. The report highlights systemic issues and allegations raised in specific cases. Individuals or institutions mentioned are presumed innocent unless proven otherwise by a court of law.
This report was prepared with the assistance of AI tools