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An Addiction and Alcoholism Awareness programme was initiated by the Santokba Durlabhji Memorial Trust at the Santokba Durlabhji Memorial Hospital and Research Centre, Jaipur on 4th March 2012 and organised by Dr Harsh Udawat of the Gastroenerology unit. Fr Joe Pereira, Managing Trustee and Dr Shashi Menon, Medical Director of Kripa Foundation along with Mr S K Bhalla Gen Sec of AA were the principal speakers. Mr Yogender Durlabhji, Managing Trustee of the SD Memorial Trust gave the keynote address and was very keen to develop a 'Core Group' for the care of the Addiction marginalised population and invited Fr Joe to help create a suitable capacity building activity to make the SDM Hospital as the operational site.The presentations by Fr Joe on the Psycho Spiritual dimension of Addiction, Dr Menon' presentation on the epidemiology, social & personal issues and treatment programme modalities for Addiction management and Mr S K Bhalla's personal sharing and comments on the effectiveness of Self Help Groups in particular the AA, were very well received. A group of around 300 persons comprising doctors and medical paraprofessionals, addiction experiential persons and significant community members avidly attended the programme, despite it being held late afternoon on a Sunday.Clearly a strong need is felt and the desire for change is manifest.
Submitted by
Dr. M.S. Menon
Director Internal Medicine
Kripa Foundation
