Gujarat approves de-addiction centres in all district hospitals

In a major step towards the ‘Drug-Free Gujarat’ campaign, the Gujarat Government has approved setting up of 15-bed addiction centers in all 34 district hospitals with administrative sanction of ₹ 14.90 crore for the financial year 2026-27.

The decision aims to make treatment and rehabilitation services accessible throughout the state. People struggling with substance abuse who previously had to travel to big cities for specialized care will now have access to treatment, counseling and rehabilitation in their own counties.

According to the government, each center will provide scientific detoxification, addiction treatment, mental health, family counseling and rehabilitation services. Both inpatient (IPD) and outpatient (OPD) facilities will be available, with care provided by teams of doctors, nurses, counselors, psychologists and other trained professionals.

To ensure transparency, medical equipment for the centers will be purchased through the State e-Marketplace (GeM) portal. The implementation of the program will also be monitored through regular reviews, social audits and third-party verification, the government said.

The state government said the initiative complements its ongoing efforts to curb the illegal drug trade while expanding treatment and rehabilitation facilities for those affected by substance abuse. The centers are expected to improve access to timely care, ease the financial and emotional burden on families and support the goal of creating a drug-free Gujarat, he added.