Report and Pics by Kevin Rodrigues
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (RD/SP)

Udupi, Aug 6: Dr A V Baliga Memorial Hospital, Doddangudde here, in association with Integrated Tribal Development Association, Pernal, organized the third alcohol de-addiction camp especially for the people belonging to Koraga community, recently, at the hospital premises. The programme was sponsored by the state government.

The camp was inaugurated by district surgeon Dr Dayanand Nayak.  Municipal president Dinakar Shetty was the chief guest.  Dr A V Baliga Memorial Hospital director Dr P V Bhandary presided over the function.

The camp was attended by 21 Koragas, of whom two were women. Almost all the participants were from Udupi and Dakshina Kannada (DK) districts and most of them are basket weavers by profession. Social workers belonging to the Koraga community took the initiative in organizing this camp, considering that alcoholism has been rampant in their community. It is culturally acceptable for even the children and women of that community to consume alcohol regularly. Most of the participants of the camp started consuming alcohol by the age of 14-15 years.

Detailed medical and psychiatric evaluation of all the camp inmates was performed. While four of the participants were found to be suffering from hypertension, three suffered from anaemia and one from mental retardation. All of them were subsequently referred for further treatment.

Daily rounds were conducted by psychiatrists, in addition to one-to-one counseling of every inmate, performed by trained counsellors and social workers.

Daily talks were conducted especially in Tulu, informing the inmates about alcohol, its hazardous effects and the path to recovery. Talks on spiritual aspects of life were conducted by the Brahmakumaris. The members of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) conducted daily meetings for all inmates. Various cultural and entertainment programmes were conducted by the nursing students.