KGH De-addiction Centre Struggles to Function Amid Staff Shortage

The De-addiction Centre at King George Hospital (KGH), established in 2020 to address substance dependence, is yet to deliver its full scope of services owing to inadequate staffing and the lack of inpatient facilities.

Despite a steady increase in cases related to alcohol, marijuana and other substances, the centre continues to function solely as an outpatient unit. Officials attribute this limitation to the absence of a psychiatrist, with MBBS doctors having to take on specialised cases.

“We are managing with available medical officers, but severe cases need psychiatric intervention,” a senior official said. “Patients requiring hospitalisation are being referred to the government mental hospital at Pedawaltair or private centres.”

Nearly 60 per cent of those seeking assistance fall in the 20 to 35 age group. Alcohol dependence is the most common concern, and families accompanying patients report financial strain, behavioural changes and relationship issues.

“We offer counselling, medication and family sessions, but without psychiatric specialists our capacity remains restricted,” a counsellor noted.

The centre receives close to 20 patients daily, and officials estimate that at least one-third of them require admission. However, the absence of an inpatient wing has prevented hospital-based treatment.

The staffing shortage continues to affect operations. The centre currently functions with one medical officer, two nurses and two counsellors. Of the nine sanctioned posts, only six are filled, all through outsourcing. One staff member is on leave, and employees have reportedly gone without salaries for five months.

“How can services run efficiently when staff are unpaid?” a worker asked.

Health authorities say that appointing two psychologists and additional nursing staff would make it possible to initiate inpatient services. “Inpatient care is vital if we are to tackle Visakhapatnam’s increasing addiction burden,” an official observed.