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Hindustan Times
06-05-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
KEM's free rehab centre emerges as lifeline amid rising substance addiction
MUMBAI: At 24, a young auto driver from Dharavi found himself struggling with alcoholism. Over time, his dependence on booze took a toll on his family—his wife had to pawn her jewellery, their five-year-old son dropped out of school, and the burden of daily expenses pushed the household into financial hardship. After a serious accident and a long recovery, he turned to the de-addiction centre at KEM Hospital for help. Sitting by his bedside, his wife recalled, 'Alcohol changed him. He wasn't the same person anymore.' The auto driver's story echoes the experiences of many others who visit KEM's psychiatry department in search of support and healing. Families from modest backgrounds regularly walk into the hospital's de-addiction OPD, each carrying their own version of this quiet crisis. Established over 30 years ago, KEM's de-addiction centre remains the only civic-run facility in Mumbai offering free and sustained treatment for substance dependence. Unlike private rehabilitation centres that charge substantial fees, KEM provides both in-patient and outpatient care at no cost. The hospital expanded its in-patient bed capacity to 45 last year to meet the growing demand. The centre witnessed a significant increase in patient load in 2024. There were 1,229 new OPD registrations that year—double the 609 recorded in 2023. Follow-up visits also rose from 8,788 in 2023 to 11,175 in 2024, reflecting greater continuity in care and an increase in returning patients. Interestingly, while OPD cases saw a sharp rise, indoor admissions remained fairly consistent, with 199 patients admitted in 2023 and 191 in 2024. The hospital's drug de-addiction laboratory also saw a sharp jump in testing activity. In 2024, the lab handled 15,100 samples—up from the previous year's total, which primarily consisted of urine tests for alcohol, morphine and cannabis. Of the 2024 tests, 9,100 samples tested positive for alcohol, 265 for nicotine and 5,735 for other substances, including marijuana and opioids. Doctors at the centre have observed a shift in the age profile of those seeking treatment. Between January and April 2025 alone, nearly 200 patients in the 18–30 age group registered—more than any other demographic. There were 47 patients aged from 31 to 45 while smaller numbers were recorded among teenagers and older adults. 'Substance use among teenagers and young adults has been on the rise,' said Dr Shilpa Adarkar, additional professor of psychiatry at KEM. 'Earlier, we mostly saw alcohol or tobacco-related issues. Now, we are seeing increased cases of marijuana and MDMA use, sometimes even in children as young as 14.' Dr Sangeeta Ravat, dean of KEM Hospital, attributes the growing footfall to better outreach and awareness. 'Our teams regularly visit schools and conduct community counselling sessions,' she said. 'This helps families identify early signs and encourages them to seek help.' Doctors emphasise that addiction affects both mental and physical health. Over time, it can lead to depression, anxiety, cognitive issues and social withdrawal. 'It disrupts a person's ability to live fully—academically, socially and emotionally,' said psychiatrist Dr Harish Shetty, who regularly counsels students in Mumbai schools. Confidentiality remains a cornerstone of the centre's approach. Doctors do not report illegal drug use to law-enforcement agencies. 'Patients won't return if they fear legal consequences. Our job is to treat; the police can track peddlers separately,' a senior doctor explained. Family counselling is a key component of recovery support. 'We advise families on how to create a stable environment—reducing triggers, handling money carefully and encouraging routine. Recovery needs structure,' said Dr Ajita Nayak, head of psychiatry. Dr Nayak also stressed the importance of parental involvement in prevention. 'Peer pressure, academic stress and media glamorisation of substance use are all powerful triggers,' she said. 'Parents must stay engaged—ask questions, listen, and spend time with their children.' As the number of new cases at the de-addiction centre continues to rise—showing nearly a 100% increase in OPD registrations from 2023 to 2024—KEM Hospital remains a vital public institution offering accessible addiction care to some of Mumbai's most vulnerable communities.
Time of India
22-04-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Soon, KEM resident doctors to have another hostel
Mumbai: One of the three proposed hostel buildings on the Acworth Leprosy Hospital campus, intended to house nearly 1,200 resident doctors from KEM Hospital , is nearing completion and is expected to open within the next few months, according to hospital authorities. For years, resident doctors raised concerns about the lack of adequate hostel accommodation , citing overcrowded conditions and the strain of long commutes after demanding shifts. Currently, KEM offers two hostels on its campus: one for undergraduate and postgraduate students, and another for resident medical officers (RMOs). Additional facilities at Sewri, Prabhadevi, and Currey Road are also available, but these too are reportedly cramped and inadequate. "These hostels become especially problematic for doctors working long hours, and more so for women who often have to travel at odd hours. Once the new hostel opens, it will ease the pressure by allowing on-campus accommodation to those who need it most," said a resident doctor from KEM Hospital The new complex at Acworth spans 2,064.66 sq mt within the 69,000-sq mt campus. It was constructed on the site of a demolished OPD building and is divided into three wings. KEM Dean Dr Sangeeta Ravat confirmed that the first building is expected to be ready by July. "It will primarily be allocated to undergraduate students, as postgraduate students are prioritised for on-campus housing," she said. The issue of substandard hostel facilities isn't limited to KEM. A resident doctor from Sion Hospital noted similar problems across BMC-run hospitals. "The conditions are poor everywhere. A new 15-storey hostel building near Sion Hospital is also under construction, and we've been told it will be handed over this year," the doctor said, adding that half of the building will be designated for nursing students.
Time of India
22-04-2025
- Health
- Time of India
H-tech sports rehabilitation centre to open at KEM Hosp
Mumbai: For the first time in the city, a high-tech sports rehabilitation centre will be established in the civic-run KEM Hospital in Parel. The 15,000-square-foot facility will have advanced machinery to help people who sustain sports-related injuries. Machines for gait analysis and training, muscle testing and training, as well as aqua treadmills, will be available for advanced rehabilitation under one roof. "This facility will come up on the 12th floor of our high-rise building and will be a turnkey project costing approximately Rs 20 crore," said KEM Hospital Dean Dr Sangeeta Ravat, adding that the bhoomipujan was conducted on Monday morning. The centre could be operational by Aug. Funding for the centre came from Vijaylaxmi Poddar of Balkrishna Industries (BKT), which a couple of years back donated a robotic arm to the KEM Hospital's orthopaedic department. "This centre will be one of its kind in western India, making Seth G S Medical College and KEM Hospital one of only six elite centres in the country dedicated to sports injuries and rehabilitation," said Dr Mohan Desai, who heads the hospital's orthopaedic department. "The KEM centre will be a sports science laboratory allowing for motion analysis, arthroscopy, as well as rehabilitation. We will be able to conduct motion analysis for runners, cricketers, jumpers, among others," said assistant professor and sports medicine specialist Dr Roshan Wade, who will manage the centre. He said there are many sportsmen at the local level who cannot afford five-star hospitals and their expensive rehabilitation packages. Many have ligament tears and knee injuries that could end their careers. "Our centre will cater to such young underprivileged patients and allow them to return to sports, if possible," added Dr Wade. There are also plans to start PG courses on sports medicine from KEM Hospital once the centre is fully operational.
Time of India
21-04-2025
- Health
- Time of India
High tech sports rehabilitation centre to open at Kem Hospital in Mumbai
1 2 3 4 Mumbai: For the first time in the city, a high-tech sports rehabilitation centre will be established in the civic-run KEM Hospital in Parel. The 15,000-square-foot facility will have advanced machinery to help people who sustain sports-related injuries. Machines for gait analysis and training, muscle testing and training, as well as aqua treadmills, will be available for advanced rehabilitation under one roof. "This facility will come up on the 12th floor of our high-rise building and will be a turnkey project costing approximately Rs 20 crore," said KEM Hospital Dean Dr Sangeeta Ravat, adding that the bhoomipujan was conducted on Monday morning. The centre could be operational by Aug. Funding for the centre came from Vijaylaxmi Poddar of Balkrishna Industries (BKT), which a couple of years back donated a robotic arm to the KEM Hospital's orthopaedic department. "This centre will be one of its kind in western India, making Seth G S Medical College and KEM Hospital one of only six elite centres in the country dedicated to sports injuries and rehabilitation," said Dr Mohan Desai, who heads the hospital's orthopaedic department. While four of the old centres are in public hospitals, one is in a private hospital. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo "The KEM centre will be a sports science laboratory allowing for motion analysis, arthroscopy, as well as rehabilitation. We will be able to conduct motion analysis for runners, cricketers, jumpers, among others," said assistant professor and sports medicine specialist Dr Roshan Wade, who will manage the centre. He said there are many sportsmen at the local level who cannot afford five-star hospitals and their expensive rehabilitation packages. Many have ligament tears and knee injuries that could end their careers. "Our centre will cater to such young underprivileged patients and allow them to return to sports, if possible," added Dr Wade. There are also plans to introduce post-graduate courses on sports medicine from KEM Hospital once the centre is fully operational.
