Daijiworld Media Network- Udupi (VA/SP)
Udupi, Jan 15: The tenth alcohol de-addiction camp was conducted by Dr A V Baliga Memorial Hospital here from January 1 to 10. The camp, being organized once in six months, aims at combating the evil effects of alcoholism and releasing the sufferers from the clutches of this addiction.
Dr Sripathi Rao, dean, Kasturba Medical College Manipal, inaugurated the camp and Prof P V Bhandary, correspondent of Dr A V Baliga Institute, Brahmavar, presided.
42 persons from Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts, between the age group of 22 to 60 years, attended the camp.
Detailed medical and psychiatric evaluation of all the camp inmates was performed. Most of the participants were found to be suffering from diabetes, hypertension, anaemia and other co-morbid psychiatric illnesses. All were subsequently referred for further treatment.
Daily rounds were conducted by the psychiatrists, in addition to one-on-one counselling of every inmate by trained counsellors and social workers. Apart from this, daily talks were conducted to educate the inmates about alcohol, its hazardous effects and the path to recovery. Talks on spiritual aspects of life were conducted by the Brahmakumaris. Members of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) conducted regular meetings for all the inmates. Various cultural and entertainment programmes were performed by the nursing students.
U R Acharya, managing trustee of Dr A V Baliga Charities, Mumbai, presided over the valedictory function, held on Sunday January 10. K M Udupa, managing trustee, Bharatiya Vikas Trust Udupi, and Prof Chandrashekhar Hebbar, principal, Dr A V Baliga Institute of Social Sciences & Rural Management, were the chief guests.
The camp inmates will continue to be offered follow-up at the psychiatry department of Dr A V Baliga Memorial Hospital, Doddanagudde, Udupi, to keep track of their progress on abstinence from alcohol.
The camp received good public support.