Hyderabad: In a major step towards combating substance abuse, the Institute of Mental Health (IMH), Erragadda, has launched a De‑addiction Centre of Excellence (CoE). Inaugurated by Health Minister Dr. Damodar Rajanarasimha, the centre aims to provide comprehensive treatment, counselling, and rehabilitation for individuals struggling with addiction.
Hub-and-Spoke Model for Statewide Care
The new CoE will serve as the central hub, with 35 government medical colleges and hospitals functioning as peripheral spokes. Each spoke will house an Addiction Treatment Facility (ATF) to provide both acute and post-acute care, extending support across Telangana.
Two-Phase Treatment Approach
Acute Phase: Manages withdrawal symptoms and substance intoxication through specialised inpatient care, including a Special Intensive Care Unit (SICU).
Post-Acute Phase: Focuses on counselling, rehabilitation, and reintegration into society after medical stabilization.
Counsellors will also be deployed across all government general hospitals to strengthen support services at the community level.
Training and Technical Support
The programme will receive guidance from NIMHANS, Bengaluru, including specialised training for doctors, lab technicians, and counsellors, as well as online modules for medical graduates. This ensures standardised, high-quality care across all centres.
Role of IMH as Centre of Excellence
IMH will serve as the advanced care and training hub, handling severe cases, providing diagnostic support, and improving discharge systems to minimise long-term institutionalisation. The centre will also promote family- and community-based rehabilitation initiatives.
Importance of the Initiative
With substance abuse a growing public health concern, this CoE provides a structured, integrated, and standardised approach to treatment. It aims to reduce the burden of addiction on individuals, families, and communities while strengthening Telangana’s de-addiction infrastructure.
