A de-addiction centre opened by the Excise department under its Vimukti scheme on the Government General Hospital premises has triggered public concern following recurring incidents involving alleged anti-social activities and drug abuse.
Demand is rife to shift the centre to a more suitable location or to strengthen security measures. “The centre, which was opened to offer medical and psychological support to those addicted to substance abuse, is now drawing criticism for having turned into what many call a haven for anti-social elements,” said a pharmacist from Vengalam.
A local residents’ association functionary said the concerns have escalated after some addicts attempted to forcibly enter the centre’s storeroom to take away syringes. There are also reports of minors misusing the centre’s premises in the absence of adequate surveillance, he said, adding that some staff members have even faced intimidation from certain admitted patients who are suspected of maintaining hotlines with drug pushers even during treatment.
A security guard who earlier worked at the Government General Hospital alleged that old and abandoned vehicles near the hospital compound continue to be another hiding point for drug abusers and their friends. The growing number of such miscreants is hampering the peaceful atmosphere of a prominent government hospital in the heart of the city, he added.
Despite repeated complaints, demands for enhanced police patrol and professional management remain largely unaddressed. Health activists from the area insist that the centre must be restructured with trained security personnel, proper entry restrictions, and strict adherence to rehabilitation protocols.
“With proper staffing, close monitoring, and infrastructure, the Excise department can turn this centre into a leading example of recovery-based treatment. Unfortunately, there is no new project for revival,” said T.K. Vinesh, an anti-drug campaigner and counsellor. He pointed out that the facility remains ignored at a time when the number of persons in need of rehabilitation support is witnessing a steady increase.
Meanwhile, Excise department sources said there were some technical difficulties related to shifting the centre immediately to another location. They also said another proposal was under consideration for the opening of a well-equipped de-addiction facility at a more spacious location in Kozhikode district to address the concerns.
Published – October 19, 2025 07:51 pm IST
