Mangalore, 28 Jun 2014: Father Muller Medical College Hospital observed International drug abuse and illicit trafficking day at Academy hall, here on Saturday June 28 morning. It was themed A message of hope: Drug use disorders are preventable and treatable.
About 270 participants from 6 de-addiction centers in the city and their family members were present on the occasion.
Father Muller Medical College Hospital administrator Fr Richard Coelho presided the programme.
The Father Muller Medical College Hospital de-addiction Centre pioneer Dr K Sudhakar Shetty was the chief guest of the occasion.
Dakshina Kannada district SP Dr Sharanappa was the guest of honor.
Father Muller Medical College Hospital chief of medical services Dr B Sanjeev Rai, medical superintendent Dr Uday Kumar, chief nursing officer Sr Aileen Mathias were the dignitaries inaugurated the programme.
Sr Aileen Mathias highlighted the indomitable spirit, honest work, humility and punctuality of Dr K S Shetty. In 13 years of his selfless service he had treated 13,000 alcoholics. Sr Aileen said not only 13,000 patients but 13,000 families are also given a ray of hope.
Dr K S Shetty expressed his satisfaction of his service and thanked the institution.
Dr Sharanappa gave a clear picture of the Law and Acts of Drug Abuse. He explained the different ways of illicit trafficking of drugs like mixing in the grains by the women. The capital punishment that involved of 10 years of jail with Rs 2 to Rs 3 lac in penalty. The students are imprisoned and the future will be destroyed, said Dr Sharanappa.
The psychiatric department assistant Professor Dr Aruna, made clear to the audience the ill effects of alcoholism and the ways of leaving that habit.
Alcoholic Anonymous member and first patient of De addiction Centre S Ramesh his life experience and the motivation he received by Dr K S Shetty and the Centre. He said alcoholism is a disease which an individual himself has to treat. The will power is important and the power of God is absolute. ‘If we trust in God and believe in His power He will guide us and give us the grace to be happy and healthy,’ said Ramesh. He urged the participants to join the Alcoholic Anonymous group and enjoy a respectable life in the society.
The students of Alva’s College of Nursing students exhibited cultural programme on the same occasion.
The staff nurses presented prayer dance. The social worker and counselor Sripati Bhat welcomed the gathering. The assistant nursing superintendent Rudresh proposed vote of thanks. The social worker Priya compered the programme.