Kangra rehabilitation centres violate SOPs, lack trained staff
A growing number of drug de-addiction and rehabilitation centres in the interstate border areas of lower Kangra are reportedly operating in violation of standard operating procedures (SOPs). Many of these centres lack proper infrastructure and trained personnel, raising concerns about the quality of care provided to drug addicts.
Most of these centres are registered with the Himachal Pradesh Mental Health Authority (HPMHA) as Rehabilitation Centres. However, despite the authority’s establishment in 2017 to regulate these facilities, a lack of regular monitoring has allowed many centres in Nurpur, Indora, and Fatehpur subdivisions to function without meeting the required SOPs. Several centres are allegedly run by individuals from neighbouring Punjab. These individuals often register societies to open centres but fail to hire essential specialists such as counsellors, psychologists, and psychiatrists.
Adding to the problem, there is no effective government oversight on the high fees charged by these centres. Under Section 65 of the Mental Health Care Act 2017, all mental health establishments, including de-addiction centres, must be registered. Those violating the Act are subject to strict penalties under Section 107. Despite these provisions, inquiries by The Tribune reveal that around 30 private drug de-addiction centres have been set up in the Nurpur police district.
Most of these facilities lack the necessary infrastructure and do not ensure regular visits by medical professionals. Some centres allegedly mislead parents by promising complete de-addiction and rehabilitation of addicts within six to eight months. However, parents—who chose to remain anonymous—claim that some centres are supplying non-prescribed drugs to inmates instead of following proper treatment protocols. They also complain about poor living conditions due to inadequate facilities. Many families have demanded that the state government establish well-equipped rehabilitation centres and strengthen the existing one operated by the district Red Cross Society in Nurpur town.
Authorities have recently taken action against some violators. Two ill-equipped centres under the jurisdiction of Nurpur and Damtal police stations were shut down for violating mandatory SOPs. Additionally, an FIR (No. 197/2023) was registered under Section 22 of the NDPS Act against one centre for allegedly providing non-prescribed narcotic drugs to inmates.
The HPMHA has published the minimum SOPs on its website, covering infrastructure requirements, trained manpower, and WHO-recommended treatment protocols. Dr Rajesh Guleri, Chief Medical Officer (CMO) of Kangra, stated that a district inspection committee—headed by the Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) and including the CMO, SDM, DSP, and a psychiatrist—has been established to oversee these centres. According to Dr Guleri, the committee is required to inspect the centres every six months and report its findings to the state authorities. This month, inspections have commenced in Kangra district.
With increasing reports of violations, there is growing pressure on the state government to take stricter action and ensure that rehabilitation centres meet the prescribed standards.
