Hyderabad: Over 100 patients suffering from adulterated toddy addiction withdrawal symptoms have been admitted at the Osmania General Hospital, Gandhi Hospital and the Erragada Mental Hospital.
There are 60 patients at the mental hospital in Erragada. Dr Pramod Kumar, superintendent said, “We are getting a lot of patients with withdrawal symptoms from the districts. Three days of specific care is required to get them under control. There were five patients who suffered seizures and we had to shift them to OGH.”
With 10 to 12 patients coming every day the burden is high. It indicates that hospitals in TS districts are full. A psychiatrist said, “People are coming to the city as there is no place in rural hospitals. There are camps there, but that is not helping as OP treatment is not effective.”
Apart from the government hospital, two private psychiatric hospitals, Chetna Hospital and Asha Hospital, are also accepting patients. Dr P.K.N. Choudhary said, “Better care of the patient is another reason for people to come to the city. People are looking at options which will get them long term treatment.”
Meanwhile, adulterated toddy is being targeted in a phased manner in the state. Dr Akun Sabharwal, director, Drugs Control Authority said, “We are now going in a planned manner. We go to a village, explain to people and then take action.” But those who are addicted to adulterated toddy will suffer withdrawal symptoms and treatment is required for six to seven days.
