DOH Eastern Visayas notes slow pace in assessment of drug users

TACLOBAN CITY Nov. 15 (PNA) -- Only 1,500 out of 25,000 self-confessed drug users have been assessed by the Department of Health (DOH) as the agency faces manpower constraints.

DOH assistant regional director Paula Paz Sydiongco said they badly need help of other government agencies to carry out a massive drug rehabilitation program in the region.

“We are lacking manpower and we need to collaborate with the police and local government units in order to quicken the assessment,” said Paula Paz Sydiongco, DOH assistant regional director.

Illegal drug users are classified into low, medium, and high risk. In the region, about four percent are categorized as high risk.

Drug users under low and medium risk are managed in the community level, while high risk are treated in drug rehabilitation centers.

However, if the drug-users have other illnesses, they are referred to the Schistosomiasis Control and Research Hospital and the Eastern Visayas Regional Medical Center.

The rehabilitation takes six to 12 months, if the findings improve within six to seven months, the drug user will be discharged to aftercare services, according to the DOH official.

“We are tapping the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) because they are in charge of the aftercare, reintegration, and transformation support. As mandated by the President, they will be the counterpart in the reintegration of clients in the community where they belong,” said Michael Tenebro, chief health officer of DOH Treatment and Rehabilitation Center (TRC).

Ofelia Pagay, DSWD head of protective services unit emphasized that they need to make sure that drug users have gone through rehabilitation process.

“If you know someone with the signs and symptoms of substance abuse, we are encouraging you to refer them to the DOH-TRC,” Pagay urged concerned citizens.

Drug users categorized as high risk must have a police clearance, court clearance, and should apply voluntary commitment to the Dangerous Drugs Board for temporary confinement.

The program is clustered into three. Cluster one is headed by the DOH for assessment, cluster two for community-based rehabilitation, and cluster three is aftercare, reintegration, and transformation support under the DSWD.

Drug Abuse Prevention and Control is celebrated every 3rd week of November pursuant to Presidential Proclamation no. 124. (PNA)

JMC/SQM/Yancy Marie T. Claridad (OJT)