AP govt to upgrade 16 de-addiction centres with Rs 9.86 cr

Metro India News | AMARAVATI

In a major initiative to strengthen de-addiction and rehabilitation services across Andhra Pradesh, the State Government has announced an investment of ₹9.86 crore for the upgradation of 16 de-addiction centres. The facilities at Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada and Kadapa are also proposed to be developed as Centres of Excellence to provide advanced treatment and rehabilitation services.

Ahead of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on June 26, Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav said the government is committed to improving healthcare infrastructure and ensuring effective treatment for individuals battling substance abuse.

The upgraded centres will be equipped with modern medical infrastructure, including biofeedback machines, ECG equipment, furniture and other essential facilities, enabling comprehensive treatment and counselling services for patients suffering from alcohol, cannabis, narcotics and other forms of addiction.

The minister said the government has also launched a large-scale recruitment drive to address manpower shortages in de-addiction centres. Of the 346 sanctioned posts, more than 200 vacancies existed when the coalition government assumed office. Over the past two months, 57 posts, including doctors, counsellors, nurses, yoga therapists and support staff, have been filled. Recruitment for another 123 posts is in the final stages, while proposals for filling 52 additional vacancies are under consideration by district collectors.