This rehabilitation centre revolutionises addiction treatment
Himachal Pradesh’s first Integrated Drug Prevention and Rehabilitation Centre (IDPRC), located in Bhuntar, has become a lifeline for heroin addicts from the state and neighbouring regions. This pioneering facility, in collaboration with the National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre (NDDTC), AIIMS, Ghaziabad, launched the state’s first addiction treatment facility (ATF) in 2022, providing specialised care for individuals battling heroin addiction.
Facility in-charge Dr Satyavrat Vaidya revealed that 80% of registered cases involve heroin addiction, predominantly from Una and Kangra, along with patients from Punjab cities like Amritsar and Ludhiana. Recognising the unique challenges heroin addiction presents, AIIMS supplies restricted medicines critical for treatment, maintaining an automated inventory system. Additionally, overdose prevention medication, considered a lifesaver, is readily available.
AIIMS extends substantial support by providing medical personnel, including a nodal officer, medical officer, matron, four nurses, a medical social worker and a data entry operator. Financial backing is ensured by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, channeled through NDDTC, AIIMS, and collaborating institutions.
Complex cases are discussed with specialists from the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro-Sciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru. Daily group deliberations by medical officers, supplemented by AIIMS consultations, ensure tailored treatment for every patient. Regular follow-ups are conducted to prevent relapses and reintegrate patients into society.
The rehabilitation process includes engaging patients in creative and productive activities. Products made by patients are sold at fairs and exhibitions, with the proceeds reinvested into their rehabilitation. Dr Vaidya highlighted success stories, such as former patients now employed in paint jobs, scrap dealing and commercial ventures, thanks to recommendations from the facility.
Dr Vaidya’s journey to establish the facility began after his specialisation in addiction medicine at NIMHANS. In 2020, he identified the need for an ATF in government hospitals and with the support of then Deputy Commissioner Ashutosh Garg and Chief Medical Officer Sushil Chander Sharma, established the centre in Kullu Regional Hospital in 2022. The Red Cross Society (RCS) played a pivotal role, providing essential staff, including a medical officer, psychologist, nurses, ward attendants and programme managers.
The facility functions as a satellite AIIMS centre for drug dependence treatment. It features separate buildings with 15 beds for women and 20 for men, alongside daily outpatient services. The homely environment, where patients roam freely, family members visit regularly, and attendants can stay, ensures a smooth and compassionate recovery process. Unlike the strict atmosphere in other rehabilitation centers, this approach fosters healing and resilience.
With its innovative practices and collaborative framework, this centre has set a benchmark in addiction treatment, transforming lives and offering hope to those struggling with drug dependence.
