In a significant step towards combating drug addiction and promoting public health, the Tamil Nadu government has established 25 Kalangarai Integrated Drug Recovery and Rehabilitation Centres across the state. Launched in February under the Department of Medical and Public Health, these centres were created at a total cost of ₹15.8 crore and mark a robust intervention to address substance abuse issues affecting thousands.India is currently facing an alarming rise in drug usage, with reports indicating that approximately 17 individuals in the 15–64 age group use drugs for non-medical purposes. Substances such as alcohol, cannabis, heroin, and opium are among the most commonly consumed. This surge in substance use not only hampers physical and mental well-being but also deeply affects family structures and society at large.
Recognizing this growing crisis, the Tamil Nadu government has set up Kalangarai centres in districts including Chennai, Madurai, Tiruchy, Coimbatore, Salem, Tirunelveli, Erode, Thanjavur, and 17 others. Each centre is staffed by a dedicated team led by a psychiatrist and supported by six key personnel—counsellors, social workers, nurses, support and cleaning staff, and security personnel. The goal is to offer integrated, accessible, and compassionate care for individuals battling addiction.
The rehabilitation services at these centres include comprehensive medical treatment, physiotherapy, breathing exercises, recreational therapy, and family counselling. These therapeutic interventions are designed to not only treat addiction but also restore the overall health and social reintegration of the patients.
According to Dr. Arunthamburaj, Director of the National Health Commission, each centre has been equipped with 20 inpatient beds. He also revealed that the state plans to expand the facility by partnering with private medical colleges to add more beds and further strengthen services. Already, 25 government hospitals in the state have set up dedicated medical teams to offer consistent treatment to drug-affected individuals.
Mr. Karthik Deivavinayagam, Project Superintendent, stated that the centres have been established in close collaboration with government medical colleges, which also provide emergency services. “Kalangarai centres are now active in 25 government medical college hospitals, offering a comprehensive model for recovery,” he added.
The impact of these efforts has been significant: 17,459 outpatients and 1,421 inpatients have already received care through this initiative. As Tamil Nadu leads by example, the Kalangarai model could serve as a blueprint for other states in India to combat the growing menace of drug addiction with compassion, science, and strong public infrastructure.