10 months ago
Experts Urge Action to Combat Drug Use in Medical Colleges
Some doctors and students in medical schools have been caught using drugs, which surprised many experts because it's happening even in well-known places.
In one case, police found drugs hidden in a doctor's house that he was also sharing with friends.
Experts believe this is a bigger problem than just a few bad apples and that schools aren't watching students closely enough.
They think stress and friends pressuring each other to try drugs are also reasons.
To fix this, experts suggest having teachers mentor students, keeping a closer eye on everyone, and holding drug awareness talks.
They also say that using drugs goes against the rules for being a doctor and could get them in serious trouble, like being suspended.
Healthcare experts are alarmed by the increasing drug use among doctors and students in medical colleges, including prestigious institutions like Osmania and Gandhi.
Recent arrests include two doctors found possessing Ganja, with reports of eight to ten students involved.
A postgraduate doctor was found to be operating a distribution center for high-value narcotics, including OG Kush, MDMA, cocaine, and hash oil.
Experts cite systemic issues, lack of management oversight, peer pressure, and student stress as contributing factors to the drug menace.
Recommendations include implementing mentorship programs, strict monitoring, anti-drug campaigns, and disciplinary action consistent with medical ethics and NMC guidelines.
- Who
- Healthcare experts, Telangana Anti-Narcotics Bureau (TGANB), Sultan Bazar Police, Telangana Excise Special Task Force (STF), medical students, and doctors.
- What
- Experts are calling for increased vigilance and disciplinary action to combat the rising problem of drug use among students and doctors in medical colleges.
- Where
- Medical colleges in Hyderabad, including Osmania and Gandhi Medical Colleges, as well as a postgraduate doctor's residence.
- When
- Recent times, with specific incidents highlighted as occurring recently.
- Why
- To address the spread of drug culture within medical institutions, attributed to systemic issues, lack of monitoring, peer pressure, and stress.
Key facts
- Recent Arrests
- Three individuals, including two doctors, arrested for possessing Ganja.
- Narcotics Seized
- Postgraduate doctor's residence raided; OG Kush, MDMA, cocaine, hash oil seized (worth approx. Rs 3 lakh).
- Distribution Center
- Doctor's residence identified as a distribution point for narcotics.
- Expert Opinion on Cause
- Drug menace attributed to systemic disorder, lack of management monitoring, peer pressure, and stress.
- Proposed Solutions
- Mentorship programs, strict guidelines, continuous monitoring, anti-drug campaigns, and adherence to NMC guidelines.
- Violation of Ethics
- Drug usage by doctors is a violation of the code of ethics.
Quotes
Dr. Kiran Madhala
Gandhi Medical College faculty
“There are several reasons for spread of the drug menace. It is because of non-monitoring by the management within the premises, peer pressure, and stress.”
thehansindia.com
“To address this, the management should have a mentorship programme where one faculty should adopt a student and he should be continuously in consultation with whatever problem the doctor is facing.”
thehansindia.com
Dr. G Srinivas
The Telangana Medical Council Vice Chairman
“There should be regular monitoring on the behaviour of students in medical colleges.”
thehansindia.com
“The NMC Act 2002 guidelines prescribe there should be anti-drug campaigning in the medical colleges.”
thehansindia.com
