Omega Hospital case: Dr Namrata’s family says doctor struggling with emotional distress, not addiction

Hyderabad: Days after an Omega Hospital doctor was caught with cocaine in the city, her family has come forward to dismiss the claims that she is a drug addict.

What is the case about?

Dr Namrata Chigurupati (34) was caught sourcing cocaine from a Mumbai-based supplier. According to the police, Dr Namrata contacted Vansh Dhakkar from Mumbai via WhatsApp and placed an order for cocaine worth Rs 5 lakh. The amount was transferred online, and the drugs were delivered to Hyderabad through Balakrishna alias Rampyar Ram (38), a delivery agent working under Vansh.

Acting on a tip-off, Raidurgam police apprehended both Namrata and Balakrishna during the handover of the narcotics. Police seized 53 grams of cocaine, Rs 10,000 in cash, and two mobile phones from the suspects.

During the investigation, Dr Namrata reportedly confessed to spending nearly Rs 70 lakh on drugs over time. The investigation is ongoing, with police looking into possible wider links to drug networks operating in the city.

Here’s what Dr Namrata’s family said about the issue:

Dr Chigurupati Namrata’s family has expressed deep anguish over the ongoing narrative suggesting she was addicted to drugs. They clarified that she resorted to substance use only under extreme emotional distress and unbearable psychological pain (depression), not out of habitual dependence.

Around a year and a half ago, differences began to emerge between Dr Namrata and her husband, eventually leading to their separation. This marked the beginning of her emotional decline. Despite having completed her hospital management studies in Spain and taking on the role of CEO at Omega Hospital based on her qualifications, the personal turmoil and ongoing conflicts deeply affected her mental well-being.

By 2022, overwhelmed by stress and emotional distress, she completely withdrew from her responsibilities at the hospital and stepped down from her CEO position. Following the divorce, her depression worsened. She distanced herself from friends and family, choosing to remain isolated at home.

This prolonged loneliness further deteriorated her mental health, causing growing concern among her family. There were several instances where she reportedly lost consciousness due to not eating properly, highlighting the severity of her psychological and physical condition.

During this difficult phase, Dr Namrata began reaching out to a few friends from her college in Spain, seeking support and advice to cope with the overwhelming stress. Based on their suggestions, she is believed to have recently procured a small quantity of drugs in an attempt to find temporary relief.

Unbeknownst to her family, she reportedly used the substances once or twice. However, during another instance when she attempted to purchase drugs again, she was caught by the police, who had already been monitoring the peddler. Both she and the dealer were taken into custody.

Dr Namrata: A professional known for her integrity

After completing her specialisation in Radiation Oncology, Dr Namrata went on to pursue a Hospital Administration course at the prestigious ESADE University in Spain. Although Omega Hospital was founded by her father and could be considered part of her family legacy, Dr Namrata never treated it as a personal entitlement.

She took charge as CEO strictly based on her professional qualifications and merit. She always maintained a clear boundary between administration and clinical matters—never involving herself in patient consultations, whether outpatient or inpatient. She was known for treating doctors, staff and hospital authorities with utmost respect, and carried herself with the mindset of being a contributing team member rather than a privileged owner.

When her personal life began to affect her ability to fulfil her responsibilities effectively, she stepped down voluntarily from her role. At no point did she behave as if her familial connection to the hospital granted her unconditional authority or privileges. This attitude reflects the professional values and ethical standards she upheld throughout her career.

It is learned that Dr Namrata had expressed deep concern to her family that the emotional pain she was experiencing felt so overwhelming, she feared it might push her into a coma. She reportedly told her family that she turned to drugs only under extreme, unavoidable circumstances—not out of desire or addiction, but as a desperate attempt to cope with her mental anguish.