By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, June 26: Many drug addicts in Meghalaya continue to suffer in silence due to the high costs of treatment at private rehabilitation centres. While the state government has recently established some rehabilitation facilities, the demand for treatment far exceeds the available resources.
In response to this growing crisis, the Meghalaya State Senior Citizens Forum met Social Welfare Minister Paul Lyngdoh on Wednesday. The forum urged the government to establish dedicated wards for drug addicts in all government hospitals across every district. These wards would provide free treatment to underprivileged individuals struggling with addiction.
The forum also called on the government to expand existing rehabilitation centres and provide financial support to these institutions. Additionally, they suggested repurposing unused government buildings as rehabilitation centres to accommodate those affected by this severe issue.
Recognising the need for widespread awareness, the forum emphasised the importance of educating the public, including those in rural areas, about the seriousness of drug addiction. The call to action by the forum highlights the urgent need for accessible and affordable rehabilitation services in Shillong. The city has limited and costly rehabilitation centres, while the number of individuals battling drug addiction has significantly increased. Although some can afford treatment, many others continue to suffer in silence, profoundly impacting society.
