Source: Hueiyen News Service / Newmai News Network
Imphal, January 04 01 2010:
Cases of drug abuse is fast rising in the state of Manipur with 42 per cent of drug addicts in the age group of 0-15 years, 30.32 per cent in the age group of 16-25 years and 55.88 percent in the age group of 25-35 years, informed Letkhogin Haokip, commissioner, Social Welfare, government of Manipur at a Convergence Meeting on Drug Abuse Prevention.
The meeting was held Monday at Classic Hotel Imphal, organized by the State Social Welfare Department, government of Manipur and Integrated Women and Children Department Centre (IWCDC).
Addressing the function, Letkhogin Haokip informed that there are 21 drug addiction centres in the state and a total of about 370 patients are treated in the centre.
Speaking in the occasion, Sarat Kumar Sharma, director, Social Welfare department stated that a policy programme instructed by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MSJE) for drug addiction would give a big opportunity in the treatment of the drug addicts.
Proper treatment to the drug addicts would make them a normal and understanding individuals in the society, added the director.
Dr.Jayanta, a Padmashree awardee while informing that the treatment of the drug addicts required in different phases, he stated that some phases such as detoxification phase takes 10 days in de-addiction and rehabilitation takes 20 days.
In the extended case phase almost one month is being taken.
He also informed that the follow up clients would be provided the treatment after two years.
Expressing disappointment on the rising cases of drug addiction in the state, Dr.Jayanta lamented that owing to the unavailability of adequate resources and adequate manpower and less participation of the civil societies in the state in thwarting the use of intoxicants, the number of drug addicts have increased.