Lady docs in Pune undergo treatment for drug abuse

Muktangan De-addiction Centre in Vishrantwadi has seen doctors and nurses among its several patients that are being brought there for de-addiction. Vivek Sabnis reports

Muktangan De-addiction Centre in Vishrantwadi has seen doctors and nurses among its several patients that are being brought there for de-addiction. Vivek Sabnis reports

Dr Anuja Shah (name changed), a surgeon in Pune, got addicted to Fortwin injections that are used to administer anaesthesia to patients before an operation. The addiction that has gripped her for over a decade has gone beyond her control today, and she needs at least 12 such injections a day.

chill pills? The Desire to cope with stresses at work leads many doctors towards drug addiction. Representational pic

Dr Jayashree Mule (name changed), a general practitioner, was admitted to the de-addiction centre when she consumed 150 Restyl and Volium tablets tranquillisers, which sheu00a0 used to prescribe to her patients to induce sleep. Her addiction started with a desire to relax after a stressful day at work.

Spoiler Stress
"Three doctors are now undergoing treatment for de-addiction from medicinal abuse at our centre at Vishrantwadi," informed Mukta Puntambekar, vice-president, Muktangan Mitra Foundation.

"The reasons for getting addicted are common. Heavy workload, mental pressures and family relationship issues," said Puntambekar. "Fortwin injections or tranqullisers are easily accessible to these women on duty and there's nobody to stop them."

Added Pradumna Mohite, coordinator, Nishigandh, a centre for women under Muktangan De-addiction Centre, "It's not just doctors. Two nurses who were addicted to tranquillisers were also given OPD treatment at our centre. The reasons range from occupational stress, loneliness and added family burdens."

IT women too
Three young women from the IT industry have also undergone treatment for alcohol addiction recently.u00a0

"Those pursuing careers in IT as well as medicine are especially vulnerable to drug addiction due to the high levels of stress that are inherent to these professions," Puntambekar said.