27 March,2026 09:36 AM IST | Mumbai | Ritika Gondhalekar
De-addiction and psychiatry wards at St George’s Hospital in South Mumbai. PICS/ RITIKA GONDHALEKAR
Six months after making its psychiatry and de-addiction ward operational, St George's Hospital in SoBo has treated 83 patients, marking a significant step forward in strengthening mental health services in the city as of March 25. Hospital officials said that the ward, which began functioning at full capacity late last year, has been receiving a steady influx of patients seeking help for substance abuse, including alcohol and drug dependency.
"Before September-end last year, we were treating patients only on an OP [outpatient] basis. However, we have seen a good response since we began admitting the patients. Though the number of independent walk-ins is still low due to lack of awareness, many patients that come for different treatments in other wards are referred to our ward if they are found to be addicts of any substance," said one of the psychiatry ward doctors.
"At present, the treatment being offered is largely symptomatic, which falls under detoxification - focused on managing withdrawal symptoms and stabilising patients during the initial phase of recovery", informed the doctor.
Doctors at the hospital emphasised that, while symptomatic care plays a crucial role in early intervention, comprehensive de-addiction treatment requires specialised medications and structured rehabilitation protocols.
"We are currently addressing immediate symptoms to ensure patient safety and comfort. However, the next phase will involve targeted pharmacological treatment to reduce dependency and prevent relapse," a senior doctor from the psychiatry department said.
"Once the hiring process for a specialist medical officer, counsellor, and data entry manager is completed, we will be able to start the addiction treatment facility for which we will get medicines including Naltrexone, BNP, BNP + N and methadone," informed the doctor. Officials are expected to introduce full-fledged medication-assisted treatment within the next three months.
Kin and relatives of patients have welcomed the facility. "I had admitted my husband once at KEM Hospital, but he again started drinking. We couldn't get him admitted again as there were no vacant beds available [at KEM]. Also, we live in Byculla, so this [St George's] hospital is closer to us. He is getting treated here now and showing good signs. Also, the treatment here is for free," said Sana M.
Patients admitted since September 2025: 83
>> Age of youngest patient treated: 13
>> Age of oldest patient treated: 69
>> Alcohol-addiction patients: 63 percent
>> Opioid-addiction patients: 20 percent
>> Smoking, tobacco and other patients: 20 percent
>> Cost of Naltrexone (medicine given to alcoholics and opioid consumers): Rs 1000 for a 10-tablet strip
>> Cost of BPN (medicine given as opioid substitution): R500 for a 10-tablet strip
