Opiod Substitution Therapy (OST) program failed in Senapati
Source: Hueiyen News Service / Newmai News Network

Imphal, February 13 2013: The Opiod Substitution Therapy (OST) program that was taken up for the first time in Senapati District by the State Government initiative with the objective of intervening HIV and other blood borne diseases at community level through injecting drug users (IDUs) has not bore fruit due to sudden closure.

The program was implemented by Manipur State Aids Control Society (MACS) under the guidelines of National Aids Control Organization (NACO) on January 2, 2011 at District Hospital, Senapati.

It may be mentioned here that three districts of the State namely Thoubal, Senapati and Chandel have been chosen for the OST program but it was first implemented in Senapati.

A press conference was held today at Karong Youth Club of Senapati district today in connection with the closure of the program.

During the press conference, Secretary of Senapati District Youth Council George told the media persons that the authority who was engaged in the program informed them of closing the program due to shortage of doctor and staffs.

He further informed that the program was not implemented according to the proper guidelines of the NACO and as a result no separate doctors and staffs were provided but engaged with the doctors from the District Hospital making them unable to manage the program.

It is notable that 1 doctor, 2 nurses, 1 counselor and 1 data operator should be provided in a centre permanently, according to the guidelines of NACO.

A parent of a client who was taking treatment at the centre disclosed that her child was improving during the treatment.

She also informed that the doctors and nurses who provided Buprenorphine (medicine used in the OST) during the working of the program informed her to go to SASO offices at Lamphel and Haokip Veng or to Care Foundation office at Checkon of Imphal if they further wanted to have the facilities.

However, when they went to the said places, the concern people at the offices did not entertain treatment saying that no such directive was given to them by the authority, she added.

President of Community Network for Empowerment,RK.

Nolinikanta rued at the closure of the OST program and appealed the Government not to take up works just for time being.

Dahsi who was the General Secretary of Senapati District Users' Community warned the State Government that agitations like blockades and general strikes may be imposed if the State Government does not re-implement the program with proper guidelines of NACO.

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