Drug users: Stick to treatment guidelines
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, July 30 2011: Drug users today demanded that detoxification and rehabilitation centres in Manipur strictly adhere to minimum standards of services laid down by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MSJE) .

Speaking at a press briefing today organized by Community Network for Empowerment, a state-level network of community-based organizations of drug users in Manipur, and Federation of Indian NGOs on Prevention of Drug Abuse- Manipur Chapter, RK Nolinikanta, Convenor, CoNE, said that the network will approach the DGP, to reinvestigate the death of T Gouviakthuam, a patient of Bethseda, a drug de-addiction center in Churachandpur.

Ksh Jibanmala, Convenor, FINGODAP, praised the drug user community for uniting against these inhuman practices.

"The community has an important role in ensuring rights are not violated, and existing services are strictly monitored" .

Besides ensuring the MSJE guidelines are adhered to, there is a need for strong linkages between these rehab centers and the general health system.

Since injecting drug users are at risk of contracting HIV, Hepatitis-C, TB and other illness, the health department and the MACS have an important role to play, she added.

Members of CoNE who visited Bethseda were told that Gouviakthuam was hurt in a fight, however others outside the centre said that Gouviakthuam was singled out and beaten.

The incident took place on July 24.2011.Gouviakthuam later succumbed to his injuries at Shija Hospital.

The police picked up seven patients who were involved in the fight however they were released later.

CoNE fears that the case will be shelved and justice denied.

"It is not only an affront to our rights as a human being but also points out the gross violation of norms laid down for rehab centers by the government", a CoNE member said.

T Ginkhanlian, uncle of the deceased said, "I admitted my nephew for treatment and this should not happen to another drug user" .

Demanding intervention from the Department of Social Welfare to enforce minimum standards CoNE is organizing a rally and submitting a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner, Churachandpur, on August 8, 2011 .

There are about 11 de-addiction centres in Churachandpur town, including four funded by the MSJE of which one is for female drug users.

It is doubtful if these centers are following the minimum standards of service laid down by MSJE, said Jibanmala.

Padmashree, Dr Jayantakumar, Director, Regional Resource & Training Center (RRTC), Manipur, said that "Many existing centers in Manipur are akin to treatment centres run by quacks" .

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