Andhra de-addiction centres: Key UPSC Facts

Andhra de-addiction centres will receive ₹9.86 crore for upgrades at 16 government hospitals. The decision adds a treatment and rehabilitation dimension to public health governance.

Quick answer: In 2026, Andhra Pradesh released ₹9.86 crore to upgrade 16 hospital-based de-addiction centres. Three hospitals in Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam and Kadapa will become Centres of Excellence. The Prohibition and Excise Department released the funds to strengthen treatment, counselling and rehabilitation, while improving access to services across the state.

What does the upgrade cover?

The upgrade covers infrastructure, equipment and digital facilities at existing government hospital-based centres. Its stated aim is to make de-addiction services more accessible at the grassroots level.

Proposed works include building renovation, room restructuring and electrical improvements. In addition, hospitals will receive furniture, biofeedback machines, breath-testing equipment, multiparameter monitors and electrocardiogram (ECG) machines.

Which hospitals will become Centres of Excellence?

Three regional hospitals will provide specialised addiction treatment and comprehensive rehabilitation as Centres of Excellence.

The other seven teaching and major hospitals are in Kurnool, Tirupati, Guntur, Srikakulam, Nandyal, Rajamahendravaram and Ongole. Meanwhile, the six district and area hospitals are at Anakapalli, Narsapuram, Narasaraopet, Chittoor, Hindupur and Bapatla.

Which constitutional provisions are relevant?

Article 47 directs the state to improve public health and pursue prohibition of intoxicating drinks and drugs injurious to health, except for medicinal purposes. It is a Directive Principle of State Policy; therefore, courts cannot enforce it directly under Article 37.

In addition, public health and hospitals fall under the State List in the Seventh Schedule. State governments consequently have a central role in organising these services.

Why does the initiative matter?

The Andhra de-addiction centres upgrade links hospital treatment with counselling and rehabilitation. Moreover, regional specialist facilities complement the stated goal of wider grassroots access.

For a related state-level perspective, read about the Punjab drug crisis and its governance challenges. Drug enforcement offers a separate context, as illustrated by the methamphetamine seizure coverage.

Source: The Hindu, 30 October 2026

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