Vellayil Residents Protest Relocation of OST Centre

Quick Summary

• A proposal to relocate the Opioid Substitution Therapy (OST) Centre in Kozhikode from Beach Hospital to Vellayil has sparked opposition from local residents.
• Residents express concern about potential misuse of the centre and disruptions in the neighbourhood, citing its proximity to a temple with disputed land ownership.
• The OST Centre currently provides de-addiction treatment for narcotic drug users at Beach Hospital but faces complaints of users lingering nearby and leaving syringes, leading to safety concerns.
• The State Human Rights Commission earlier recommended moving the OST facility out of hospital grounds due to these issues.
• A citizens’ rights group, pouravakasha Samrakshana samithi, opposes relocation outside hospital premises and advocates integrating the centre into outpatient services for better monitoring by staff.
• examples of in-hospital OST facilities functioning effectively in other places such as Thamarassery and Koyilandy were highlighted by proponents against shifting.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The debate over relocating Kozhikode’s OST Centre underscores challenges surrounding addiction treatment facilities placed near residential areas alongside larger development plans like hospital expansions. While residents fear heightened security risks and nuisance activities if relocated outside current premises, integrating it into general health services could neutralize those concerns through closer monitoring. Moreover, existing prosperous integration models elsewhere suggest feasibility in maintaining accessibility while addressing safety issues locally. Authorities must balance public opposition with ensuring continued support for those seeking de-addiction help-a critical service amid growing substance abuse cases nationally.

Read more: Published – july 11, 2025 07:54 pm IST