The existing de-addiction centres in Andhra Pradesh will soon be upgraded with the required medical infrastructure, at a cost of ₹9.86 crore, said Minister for Health, Medical and Family Welfare Satya Kumar Yadav.
In a statement on Thursday (June 25) on the eve of International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, observed on June 26, the Minister said that the State has 25 de-addiction centres. Out of these, 16 will receive biofeedback machines, ECG machines, and other equipment. The government is also considering establishing Centres of Excellence (CoE) in three centres—Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam and Kadapa. The CoEs will be equipped with advanced treatment capabilities.
The 16 centres that are to be upgraded are located in the districts of Kurnool, Tirupati, Guntur, Srikakulam, Nandyal, East Godavari, Prakasam, Anakapalli, West Godavari, Palnadu, Chittoor, Sri Sathya Sai, Bapatla, Visakhapatnam, NTR, and YSR Kadapa.
These centres provide treatment to individuals addicted to alcohol, cannabis (ganja), narcotic substances, and other forms of substance abuse who wish to overcome their addictions.
While these centres require a staff of 346, more than 200 posts remained vacant by 2024, he said, noting that during a recruitment drive, 57 posts, related to doctors, counsellors, nurses, yoga therapists, were filled. The Minister said the government is expediting the recruitment process for the remaining posts as well.
Health Joint Secretary Ronanki Gopalakrishna said a biofeedback machine, costing approximately ₹2.5 lakh, helps reduce psychological stress and depression among individuals undergoing addiction treatment.
According to the press release, in 2025–26, 44,860 people received free treatment through outpatient (OP) services, while 3,255 patients were admitted as inpatients (IP). In April and May of 2026–27 financial year, 12,161 people received OP services, and 1,018 people received inpatient treatment.
Published – June 25, 2026 11:02 pm IST