Awareness programme on "Health and legal rights of drug users" held
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 15 2025: A 1-day awareness programme focusing on the health and legal rights of people who use drugs was held today at Mayang Imphal.

The programme was organised by The Overcomers in coordination with Way to Recovery Rehabilitation Centre, Mayang Imphal Konchak Awang Leikai with support from the District Legal Services Authority, Imphal West.

In his opening remarks, Sagolsem Herojit, secretary of The Overcomer, said that the programme was conducted with the aim to empower individuals undergoing treatment for drug use with knowledge about their rights, available health services, and legal safeguards.

He emphasised that awareness is the first step in ensuring dignity, protection, and rehabilitation.

He also noted that despite private centres operating independently through monthly fees collected from clients/patients, with no Government support, and encountering various challenges, they should not give in to the temptation of conspiring with other organisations in coercive pickups, abductions, and unhealthy referrals to secure clients, as this would result in legal consequences and treatment failure.

Basantakumar Wareppa, human rights lawyer, delivered a detailed session on the legal rights of drug users undergoing treatment in rehabilitation centres.

He elaborated on the constitutional and statutory protections available to them, including the right to health, freedom from inhuman treatment, privacy, and access to legal remedies.

He stressed that rehabilitation must uphold human dignity, and that the Indian legal system provides mechanisms to enforce these rights through various laws, including the Mental Healthcare Act, NDPS Act, and constitutional remedies.

RK Nolinikanta, secretary of the Community Network for Empowerment, elaborated on the health vulnerabilities associated with drug use, such as Hepatitis and HIV.

He explained how individuals undergoing treatment can access welfare schemes, health benefits, and essential medical services, including harm-reduction services, ART, OST, and social security programmes available through Government and community-based organisations.

The programme concluded with an interactive session involving the clients and staff of the rehabilitation centre.

Participants shared their concerns and experiences, while experts discussed ways to ensure the protection of human rights within rehabilitation settings, improve access to healthcare, and promote community reintegration.

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