Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)

Udupi, Dec 19: Dr A V Baliga Memorial Hospital under the patronage of Kamal A Baliga Charitable Trust, Mumbai and Udupi Indian Medical Association Udupi-Karavali will hold 32nd alcohol free residential camp from January 1 to 10, 2024, at Kamal A Baliga auditorium.

Dr Manas, psychiatrist, Baliga Memorial Hospital told reporters in a press meet held on Tuesday, December 19 that talks on the effects of alcohol consumption by resource persons will be held on all the days of the camp and cultural activities by students from different colleges will also be held every evening.

"Considering the importance of Alcoholics Anonymous in the treatment, a one-hour discussion daily by the members of the organisation and exchange of information and experiences on living an alcohol-free life will be held. After 7 pm. daily bhajans and information on religious topics will be held to develop devotion in them,” he said.

Dr Manas informed that after leaving the camp, the members of the community will monitor the progress of the alcoholics by frequently visiting their house, making phone calls and by writing letters.

Entry fee for the camp is Rs 500. Food, accommodation, treatment and a separate ward for women will be provided free of cost from Kamal A Baliga Charitable Trust, Mumbai.

On the opening day of the camp, those who have been freed from alcohol addiction for more than three years after receiving treatment from A V Baliga Memorial Hospital will be honoured.

The camp will be inaugurated on January 1, 2024 at 10 am in Dr A V Baliga Memorial Hospital, by Dr K Vidya Kumari, Udupi Deputy Commissioner (DC). Dr Anil Kakkunje, professor and head department of psychiatry, Yenepoya University, Mangaluru, Dr Rajalakshmi, gynaecologist and obstetrician, president, Indian Medical Association, Udupi-Karavali will be the guests of honour. The programme will be chaired by Dr P V Bandary, director of Dr A V Baliga group of companies.

The closing ceremony of the camp will be held on January 10 at 10 am in Dr A V Baliga Memorial Hospital. Devaraj T V, Inspector of Police, Manipal police station, Udupi, Dr Archana Bhakta, administrative specialist, secretary of Indian Medical Association, Udupi-Karavali, Dr Vinod C Naik, professor, department of forensics, KMC Manipal will be participating.

Dr Virupaksha Devaramane, psychiatrist, Baliga Memorial Hospital, Dr Deepak, Soujanya Shetty, administrative authority of the hospital and Nagaraj were present in the meet.