Bhubaneswar: Amid a controversy over the death of an inmate at a private de-addiction in Jajpur district recently, the Odisha Government has decided to formulate standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the registration and regulation of such rehabilitation units in the state.
In a letter issued to District Social Security Officers (DSSOs), the Department of Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities has directed them to submit a
detailed report on existing drug de-addiction centres in their respective areas.
The DSSOs have been asked to submit their reports on centres run by the government of India, the state government, and private operators within seven days.
This apart, the officers have been instructed to provide suggestions for framing comprehensive guidelines and SOPs for the registration and regulation of these centres under the provisions of the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017.
The move comes after an inmate at a private de-addiction centre in Jajpur district died under mysterious circumstances last week. While the exact cause of death is yet to be determined, the deceased’s family has alleged foul play, triggering tension and unrest in the area. As many as nine persons, including the owner of the centre, have been arrested in connection with the incident.
The incident has also brought renewed scrutiny on the functioning of other de-addiction centres in the state. Concerns have been raised over their management and oversight, particularly in light of reports of several suspicious inmate deaths.