New Punjab fellowship puts mental health at centre of war on drugs

Punjab plans to expand its Leadership in Mental Health Programme with 17 new positions for fellows and senior associates. The programme supports addiction treatment, relapse prevention, family counselling and rehabilitation across the state.

Chandigarh: 30 July 2026: Reinforcing its commitment to tackling drug addiction through a comprehensive approach, the Punjab government launched India’s first fellowship against substance abuse, the Leadership in Mental Health Programme (LMHP) in February 2026. Thirteen fellows from the first cohort of the programme are now working across Punjab to strengthen mental healthcare services.

LMHP fellows work across the state under the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann-led Yudh Nashean Virudh initiative, supporting healthcare services and integrating a health- and community-first perspective in the state’s fight against drugs. This marks a significant milestone in strengthening the state’s mental healthcare system and ensuring that rehabilitation remains at the heart of Punjab’s fight against substance........

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