Govt hospitals to have OPDs just for addicts soon

In a move to ramp up deaddiction facilities, Delhi government hospitals may soon have out- patient departments ( OPD) dedicated to treating drug and liquor addicts only.

The city government has also planned to deploy mobile units to reach drug junkies at inter- state bus terminuses ( ISBTs) and railway stations.

These are some of the issues being worked upon by a panel formed by the Delhi government on drug addiction. “In many cases, there is no need for specialist doctors. Their role comes later. Even doctors with MBBS degrees can deal with the addicts, who don’t need to be admitted,” a government official said.

As the possibility of addicts volunteering to avail such facilities is very little, the government panel has recommended a project- oriented approach, as part of which selected pockets will be targeted by NGOs.

Those who have successfully overcome addiction themselves will be used to build rapport with the addicts and encourage them to participate in the detoxification sessions, according to the official.

“ISBTs and railway stations have a large number

Plans to deploy mobile units to reach drug junkies at inter- state bus terminuses and railway stations are also on the anvil

Select pockets will be targeted by NGOs

of addicts who are often seen using syringes. The government has decided to deploy mobile units to go around and talk to them, distribute detox medicines to make them realise the importance of treatment,” the official said.

The steps are expected to come in handy for the Aam Aadmi Party government at a time when it has been targeted by the BJP and Swaraj Abhiyan for granting a large number of liquor shop licences.

The party has repeatedly targeted the BJP- SAD alliance in Punjab over its “failure” to handle the widespread use of drugs, and has made it a major poll issue.

Elections in Punjab are set to be held early next year.