Drug Scandal Shakes Telangana's Medical Community

Drug Abuse

Posted by AI on 2026-02-02 22:49:54 | Last Updated by AI on 2026-02-04 05:52:45

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In a shocking revelation, Telangana's medical community is grappling with a drug abuse crisis, with recent arrests of medical students and young doctors exposing a dark underbelly within the healthcare system. The situation has sparked alarm, raising questions about the well-being of those entrusted with healing others.

The arrests, conducted by the excise special task force and the Telangana Anti-Narcotics Bureau, uncovered a disturbing trend. In one instance, a postgraduate doctor from Gandhi Hospital was found to be in possession of various high-value narcotics worth a staggering 13 lakh. This individual, battling addiction, had not only been consuming these substances but had also become a peddler to sustain their habit. The problem is not isolated; earlier incidents involved the detention of junior doctors and MBBS students from Osmania Medical College and Nizamabad for marijuana use.

Experts attribute this crisis to a perfect storm of stress, loneliness, and inadequate institutional support. Dr Kiran Madhala, from the Indian Medical Association, Telangana, highlights the role of peer pressure and emotional strain, advocating for proper mentorship programs to combat these issues. The Competency-Based Medical Education (CBME) curriculum, introduced in 2023, mandates such mentorship, but many colleges have yet to implement it.

Telangana's medical authorities are taking action, with the National Medical Commission (NMC) Act, 2023, requiring anti-drug campaigns in all medical colleges. The Telangana Medical Council and the director of medical education have outlined measures such as mentorship programs, psychiatric consultations, and anti-narcotics awareness sessions to address the crisis. These steps aim to identify and support those at risk, emphasizing prevention and rehabilitation over punitive action. The challenge now lies in ensuring these initiatives are effectively implemented across all medical institutions, fostering a culture of support and well-being within Telangana's medical community.

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