Mental Health Leaders Give A Boost to Punjab’s War on Drugs; applications for second cohort of fellows to open in early August
The Punjab government is expanding its Leadership in Mental Health Programme (LMHP) to combat substance abuse across all 23 districts. The initiative recruits professionals to provide evidence-based rehabilitation and community-focused mental healthcare.
Why it matters
This program represents a shift toward integrating professional mental health services into state-level public policy to address the growing drug crisis in India.
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 abuse.
Now, the Punjab Government plans to roll out applications for the second cohort of the programme -- 10 fellows and seven Senior Associates -- to create a robust state-wide network of trained young professionals covering all 23 districts.
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