Punjab's Anti-Drug Fight Gets Mental Health Boost: LMHP Fellows Expand To 23 Districts
Punjab's Anti-Drug Fight Gets Mental Health Boost: LMHP Fellows Expand To 23 Districts Published By, Last Updated: July 30, 2026, 22:44 IST Punjab's LMHP, India's
Punjab's Anti-Drug Fight Gets Mental Health Boost: LMHP Fellows Expand To 23 Districts Published By, Last Updated: July 30, 2026, 22:44 IST Punjab's LMHP, India's first fellowship against substance abuse; applications for second cohort in early August, aims to expand mental healthcare services across all districts. Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann. (Photo: X/BhagwantMann) Punjab’s Leadership in Mental Health Programme (LMHP), launched by the state government in February 2026 as India’s first fellowship against substance abuse, will open applications for its second cohort in early August. Thirteen fellows from the first cohort are currently working across the state to strengthen mental healthcare services under the Yudh Nashean Virudh initiative led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. Second Cohort To Cover All 23 Districts The Punjab government plans to recruit 10 fellows and seven Senior Associates for the second cohort, aiming to build a state-wide network of trained professionals across all 23 districts.
The programme operates under the Department of Health and Family Welfare, in collaboration with the state’s Data Intelligence and Technical Support Unit. LMHP fellows come from backgrounds in psychology, public health and social work, and commit to a two-year tenure supporting the state’s anti-drug campaign. They undergo training in psychosocial interventions, relapse prevention, programme management, community-based rehabilitation and leadership skills, delivered with support from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai, the programme’s selection-cum-knowledge partner. What Fellows Do On The Ground During their tenure at district hospitals and de-addiction and rehabilitation centres, fellows work with families, help address family crises linked to drug addiction, connect patients with treatment, support relapse prevention and promote integrated rehabilitation. They also focus on reducing stigma, strengthening community engagement and ensuring continuity of care after patients complete rehabilitation programmes.
Beyond district-level work, the first cohort has supported healthcare workers and helped institutionalise best practices across the state’s anti-drug response. What The Minister Said Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh said the programme combines leadership with empathy to restore families and hope across the state. He said Yudh Nashean Virudh is a movement to reclaim Punjab’s youth, with strict action against drug peddlers and traffickers running alongside efforts to help people affected by drug abuse. He said the LMHP reflects the belief that an addiction-free Punjab requires enforcement, treatment and prevention to work together, backed by a strong healthcare system and community support. He added that addiction is a chronic health issue requiring sustained care. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit About the Author Anoshito Banerjee Anoshito Banerjee is a digital journalist at CNN-News18, specialising in Indian foreign policy, global diplomacy, South and West Asian geopolitics, and strategic affairs.
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