OST re-installation demanded at Senapati
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, February 13 2013:
Various Senapati based civil organisations including drugs related NGO workers and drugs users' community have threatened to launch agitation if the authority concerned fails to re-install Opiad Substitution Therapy (OST) at Senapati District Hospital within this month.
Speaking to reporters today at Karong Community Hall, general secretary of Senapati District User Community Organisation, Dhari said that the OST at Senapati District Hospital was launched in January 2012.With the help of the service provided by the OST, many drugs users have undertaken returning to normal life, Dhari.
The OST programme was clipped abruptly on January 20 last owing to shortage of doctor and staff to handle the programme.
When enquired, the Senapati Hospital authority told the drug users to avail the facility of OST at Imphal, Dhari pointed out.
The general secretary further stated that a doctor , two nurses, a counsellor and a data operator are required to look after the OST programme.
Pointing out that several drug users have returned to normal life through the assistance of OST, the drug users have strongly urged the authority to re-install the therapy at Senapati hospital with adequate staff.