New Delhi: The central government has taken a major step to strengthen the fight against substance abuse and improve de-addiction treatment services across the country. Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, JP Nadda, launched a nationwide capacity-building program for doctors and healthcare workers at Kartavya Bhawan in New Delhi. The initiative aims to provide evidence-based, high-quality treatment to individuals struggling with substance addiction and to increase the number of trained experts nationwide.
The responsibility for coordinating this national campaign has been entrusted to the National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre (NDDTC) at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi. Six premier central government institutions, operating under the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare’s drug de-addiction program, will collaborate to advance this initiative.
Training 10,000 Healthcare Workers by March 2029
Under the government’s ‘Narcotics Control Vision Document 2026-2029,’ a target has been set to train 10,000 doctors and allied healthcare professionals by March 2029. This training will encompass physicians, medical officers, nurses, counselors, psychologists, and other healthcare personnel, ensuring that patients receive quality care not only in specialized de-addiction centers but also in general hospitals.
From Digital Learning to In-Person Training
Professor Anju Dhawan, a lead expert at NDDTC, AIIMS, presented the program’s action plan. The training will utilize a combination of live online classes, self-paced digital learning materials, and in-person (face-to-face) training sessions. Existing online courses developed by AIIMS will also be incorporated. The objective is to equip healthcare workers with modern methods for identifying, managing, and treating substance-related disorders.
New Guidelines Released for Physicians
A key highlight of the program was the release of the second edition of the ‘Guidelines for Physicians on Substance Use Disorders (Management of Addictive Disorders).’ This guide, prepared by NDDTC AIIMS, will provide practical and scientific information for physicians working in specialized de-addiction centers as well as those in general healthcare services.
This initiative is expected to help improve the quality of de-addiction services across the country, increase access to treatment, and build a robust network of trained healthcare professionals. The government’s goal is clear: to provide timely treatment, better care, and a new path toward a healthy life for those struggling with substance abuse.
