Udupi: Alcoholism is one of the major social evils of the emerging society. Which have grown into major problems over the last few years. Dr. A.V. Baliga Memorial Hospital has been conducting Alcohol de-addiction camps from. 2006. The De-addiction Centre caters to a sizeable number of patients seeking treatment for Substance Abuse problems, mainly in the coastal districts, said Dr. Verupaksha Devaramane of Dr. A. V. Baliga Hospital.

He was speaking with the media persons at press club said that along with regular outpatient and inpatient care, the Center also conducts Alcohol De Addiction camps. Despite so may de-addiction camps held in community there is still steep rise in the number of alcohol dependents. Camps are intended to create awareness about the ill effects of alcohol and to improve their health status. So far 22 De-addiction camps have been successfully conducted and 8 special alcohol de addiction camps arranged for Alcohol dependents of Koraga Tribes and also for police personals of Karwar District. Till now 1123 inmates have benefited from the camp and a good number of inmates are still on follow up with us, he said.

Participants will be charged a nominal fee of Rs. 300. Food, accommodation and necessary investigations and medical treatment expense will be borne by Dr. A. V. Baliga Charities Mumbai. Everyday lectures will be held to create awareness about the ill effects of alcohol and tobacco and addictive substances. Resource persons will deliver lectures on improving health and lifestyle management. Bhajans and cultural programs will be arranged daily by the college students of the locality. After the camp there will be regular follow ups by our social workers to keep track of their abstinence for next one year.

Every year the institution will honour for those who are abstinent from alcohol for a minimum period of 5 years. During the last camp honored more than 8 inmates who are abstinent for more than five years. During this camp also have plans to honor addicts who have recovered from their addiction.

There are female alcoholics in the society, but they may feel shy and stigmatized to come to the de-addiction ward for female alcoholics.

During this occasion, our new female de addiction centre “Spoorthi” will be inaugurated by Mrs. Rohini K. District Information and Broadcasting officer Udupi.

Camps are conducted once in 6 months for duration of 10 days. 23rd De addiction camp will be starting from 1st January 2016 to 10th of January 2016 at Dr. A. V. Baliga Memorial Hospital, Udupi. The camp will be inaugurated on 1st January at 10 am by Dr. Varadesh Hiregange, Director, Gandhian and peace studies, Manipal. Mrs. Rohini K., Dr. Geetha Puthran President, IMA Karavali will be the chief guest of the programme. Dr. P. V. Bhandary Director of Dr. A. V. Baliga Group of institutions will preside over the function.

The valedictory programme will be held on 10th January 2016 at 3.00 pm at Dr. A. V. Baliga Memorial Hospital, Udupi. Mr. Annmalai SP, Gracy Gonsalves deputy director of women and child welfare department, Dr Vasudev Secretary of IMA Udupi Karvali will be the chief guests of the programme.

Lohith Kumar Counselor, Sr. Sushendra and Jevan Lewis were present during the press meet.