According to the office bearers, psychiatrists in the state have been receiving notices from the police seeking names, ages, and addresses of those in rehabilitation.
Published Mar 29, 2025 | 1:56 PM ⚊ Updated Mar 29, 2025 | 1:56 PM
Drugs. (Representational/ iStock)
Synopsis: The Indian Psychiatric Society’s Kerala unit has condemned the state’s police for demanding the personal details of individuals undergoing de-addiction treatment, citing violations of privacy and legal provisions. The society warned that such actions could discourage people from seeking help.
Amid the rising focus on drug abuse among the youth, the Indian Psychiatric Society’s Kerala unit has alleged that the state police are demanding the personal details of individuals undergoing de-addiction treatment.
The professional society further claimed that the move violates patient privacy and legal provisions.
According to the office bearers, psychiatrists in the state have been receiving notices from the police seeking names, ages, and addresses of those in rehabilitation.
They warned that such actions could deter people from seeking treatment, worsening the drug abuse crisis.
Citing the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, they emphasized that psychiatrists are legally bound to protect patient confidentiality.
They also pointed out that the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, allows exemptions for those voluntarily seeking de-addiction treatment.
The society urged authorities to withdraw such demands and adopt a more rehabilitation-oriented approach, warning that fear of police action could push addicts away from treatment, leading to severe social consequences.
Meanwhile, the state government had recently reiterated its commitment to curbing drug abuse, citing intensified enforcement and awareness initiatives.
Officials highlighted Kerala Police’s D Hunt and Kerala Excise’s Operation Clean Slate as key measures addressing the growing narcotics problem.
According to official data, the crackdown has produced significant results. Under D Hunt, conducted from February 22 to March 8, authorities arrested 4,228 individuals and registered 4,081 cases.
The operation also resulted in the seizure of 1.434 kg of MDMA, 185.229 kg of ganja, and other narcotic substances. Additionally, 33,838 individuals underwent drug inspections during this period.
Similarly, Operation Clean Slate, a high-intensity enforcement campaign, led to the registration of 360 Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) cases and the arrest of 368 people within five days.
Authorities seized drugs worth ₹81.13 lakh, including 56.09 gm of MDMA, 23.11 gm of methamphetamine, and 77.8 kg of ganja. A total of 2,181 inspections were conducted during this operation.
(Edited by Sumavarsha, with inputs from Dileep V Kumar)
