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A hospital in Chennai rehabilitates victims of alcoholism and drug abuse
Mohanraj tasted alcohol for the first time when he was 15 years old. By the time he was 34, he was an alcoholic who had lost his money, house and business. He got a second chance at the TTK hospital where he underwent detoxification. Cured of his addiction, Mohanraj says, "I know that I have wasted 16 years of my life but thanks to this hospital I am finally happy." The 60-bed TT Ranganathan Clinical Foundation was set up in 1987 in Chenai by the TTK group of industries. Also known as the TTK hospital, it was India's first hospital to deal exclusively with the problems of alcoholism and drug addiction. Financial assistance to the tune of Rs 11 million was given by the TTK group to start the hospital. Since its inception, 55,000 people have been treated at the hospital, of whom 55 per cent are now free of addiction. The hospital attracts patients from countries like Sri Lanka, Maldives, Bangladesh, Nepal and Myanmar. It also trains Indian and international professionals to tackle addiction. Treatment at the hospital covers psychological support, motivation and detoxification, in that order. The TTK hospital relies on group therapy rather than the traditional isolated psychiatric approach. During therapy, patients talk about their past. Feedback from other group members helps them recognise and accept their addiction. All patients are expected to report to the hospital for five years after the completion of treatment. There is also a community support programme involving a third party who alerts the health authorities in case of a relapse. Shanthi Ranganathan of the TTK family has played a central role in launching the hospital. After her husband's death from alcoholism, she wanted to help other families facing the same problem. She was awarded the first United Nations Vienna Civil Society Award in 1999 for her fight against drug abuse. Contact: TTK Hospital
17, Main Road, Indiranagar
Chennai-600020, India
Phone No- 91-44-4918461/4912948
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