Healing hands: Special OPD at Nahan college offers hope to addicts
In a significant step toward combating drug addiction, Dr YS Parmar Medical College, Nahan, has been running a special outpatient department (OPD) every Saturday to treat patients struggling with substance abuse, particularly heroin, commonly known as chitta.
The initiative, which was launched in early March, has already begun to show positive results. Within the first three weeks, around 10 patients have started their treatment. What makes this initiative even more impactful is the fact that patients are now voluntarily seeking medical assistance to break free from their addiction, signaling a growing awareness about the dangers of substance abuse.
The special OPD was introduced after a request was made by ‘Drops of Hope Society’, an organisation dedicated to rehabilitating individuals battling drug addiction. In the first week of March, the organisation approached the hospital administration, urging them to establish a dedicated OPD for treating heroin addiction.
Responding to the request, the Medical Superintendent of the hospital, Dr Ajay Pathak, instructed the Psychiatry Department to set up a specialised OPD every Saturday from 2 pm to 4 pm. Initially, the society facilitated the arrival of a few patients, but over time, a remarkable shift has been observed, as individuals struggling with addiction have started coming in on their own, seeking counselling and medical intervention.
The growing incidence of heroin addiction in the region, particularly among the youth, has been a matter of grave concern. Law enforcement agencies have been actively cracking down on drug-related offenses, registering numerous cases against offenders. A worrying trend has emerged, with most of those caught in drug-related crimes belonging to the younger age group.
Experts have repeatedly warned that heroin is one of the most addictive substances, and even its occasional use can lead to a quick and severe dependency. Individuals who fall into the trap of addiction often experience drastic changes in their behaviour and physical health, making it nearly impossible for them to function normally without the drug. Without timely intervention, heroin addiction can lead to severe social, financial, and health-related consequences for both the users and their families.
The medical team at Dr YS Parmar Medical College follows a structured and well-defined approach to treating drug addiction. The first step involves conducting comprehensive blood tests to assess the overall health of the patient. These tests also include screenings for HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C, as heroin users are at a higher risk of contracting such infections due to the practice of injecting the drug using shared needles.
Once the initial assessments are completed, the patients undergo intensive counselling sessions designed to help them understand the gravity of their addiction and motivate them to commit to the recovery process. The medical protocol mandates a two-month detoxification programme, during which the patients are kept away from drugs under strict medical supervision.
Those diagnosed with liver infections or other health complications receive specialised medical treatment to address their conditions. Additionally, a combination of motivational therapy and de-addiction therapy is administered to support the psychological well-being of the patients and prevent relapse.
Dr Ajay Pathak, the Medical Superintendent of the college, has expressed his strong support for this initiative, recognising its crucial role in addressing the region’s growing drug problem. He emphasised the importance of ensuring that more individuals battling addiction come forward to seek treatment.
“The special OPD for drug addiction has been operational every Saturday from 2 pm to 4 pm, and we have already started treatment for about 10 patients in the last three weeks. This is just the beginning, and we encourage more individuals who are struggling with substance abuse to take advantage of this facility. We are also considering organising dedicated counseling sessions for drug-dependent individuals to provide them with the necessary psychological support,” he stated.
Himachal Tribune