No space, manpower for drug rehab centre

SHILLONG: At a time when drug addiction has turned into a major social menace in Meghalaya, the Health Department has said it does not have enough manpower and space for setting up and running a de-addiction facility for children and youth.
Speaking to The Shillong Times, Chairperson of the State Commission for Protection of Child Rights Meena Kharkongor said she had written to the department on March 29 mentioning that there were no specialised treatment centres for children and adolescents who are into substance abuse.
Kharkongor informed that she met the DHS officials after Health Minister Roshan Warjri told her that the letter was forwarded to DHS. “The DHS officials informed that it does not have the required man-power and space to set up a centre. I will pursue the matter again,” she said.
In the letter to Warjri, she mentioned that heads of localities have approached the Commission voicing their concern on the rising menace of drug and substance abuse.
According to Kharkongor, the establishment of treatment centres at government hospitals will benefit many addicted youth.
Meanwhile, Manna Sangma, counsellor for drug addicts and alcoholics, said children as young as 12-13 years are more susceptible to drugs due to family problems and peer pressure.
However, he pointed out the issues that threaten addicts who want to start a new life after rehabilitation.
“Role of parents assumes great significance as he will have to come back to his family after rehabilitation. I blame the society also because they don’t see the ‘transformed’ person but the same old drug addict,” he said.