Centres for addicts in state soon -- Govt

Centres for addicts in state soon -- Govt
EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE

MUMBAI, DECEMBER 30: The State Government has decided to set up three de-addiction centres for the benefit of drug addicts and alcoholics in Mumbai, Pune and Nagpur. Addressing a press conference, Minister of Public Health and Medical Education Digvijay Khanvilkar said that the centres will be opened at JJ Hospital, Mumbai, Sasson Hospital, Pune and Government Medical College and Hospital, Nagpur.

A seven-member committee headed by the Dean of a Government Medical College will co-ordinate the working of these centres which will be equipped with 10 beds and other facilities. Two of the committee members will be social workers, said Khanvilkar.

He also said that the main function of the committee would be to provide medical and psychiatric treatment to addicts and make them aware of de-addiction, to improve their ability to work and live a better life. The committee will also co-ordinate with educational institutions and make them aware about de-addiction and will try to involve more persons into de-addiction.

Khanvilkar further stated that the Government has decided to start 226 blood banks for haemophilla and thalassemia patients all over the State. He said that out of 10,000 patients suffering from both diseases, 700 have been identified and since these patients require blood frequently, the centres will be equipped with blood banks.