A.P. releases ₹9.86 crore to upgrade 16 de-addiction centres

The initiative aims to make de-addiction services accessible at the grassroots level while strengthening medical treatment and rehabilitation facilities across the State

The State government has released ₹9.86 crore for the modernisation of 16 drug de-addiction centres functioning in government hospitals across Andhra Pradesh, with a focus on strengthening medical treatment, counselling and rehabilitation services for people suffering from substance addiction.

The funds have been released by the Prohibition and Excise Department to upgrade infrastructure and provide advanced medical equipment at the centres.

A statement issued on Friday said the initiative aimed to make de-addiction services accessible at the grassroots level while strengthening specialised treatment and rehabilitation facilities at major regional hospitals. The proposed works include renovation of hospital buildings, restructuring of rooms, installation of glass doors, improvement of electrical systems and provision of modern furniture.

The centres will be equipped with advanced medical devices, including biofeedback machines, breath-testing equipment, multiparameter monitors and ECG machines. Digital information technology facilities will also be introduced to improve healthcare delivery.

Modernisation works will be taken up at 10 government teaching and major hospitals under the Medical Education Department. They include Kurnool Government General Hospital, SVRR Government General Hospital in Tirupati, Guntur Government General Hospital, Srikakulam Government General Hospital, Nandyal Government General Hospital, Rajamahendravaram Government General Hospital, Ongole Government General Hospital, Vijayawada Government General Hospital, King George Hospital in Visakhapatnam and the Institute of Mental Health under Kadapa Government General Hospital.

Of these, Vijayawada Government General Hospital, King George Hospital in Visakhapatnam and the Institute of Mental Health in Kadapa will be developed as specialised Centres of Excellence. These three regional centres will provide advanced medical treatment, specialised addiction care and comprehensive rehabilitation support to people struggling with substance abuse.

Infrastructure at six other district and area hospitals will also be upgraded. They are Anakapalli District Hospital, Narsapuram Area Hospital, Narasaraopet Area Hospital, Chittoor District Hospital, Hindupur District Hospital and Bapatla Area Hospital.

The works at these hospitals will focus on improving buildings and electrical infrastructure and installing modern medical equipment to strengthen de-addiction treatment services.