State-of-the-art govt rehabs in the offing

SHILLONG, Oct 3: The Health department is making significant efforts to create more de-addiction and detox facilities, along with establishing state-of-the-art rehabilitation centres across Meghalaya. This initiative is crucial as most rehabilitation centres in the state are privately run, with high costs that leave many families of addicts unable to afford treatment.
Stating that a review of the state’s de-addiction facilities was recently conducted, Health Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh said, “In collaboration with the Social Welfare department as part of the DREAM project, we will now start building the necessary infrastructure. The Health department recently sent around 10 doctors for certified courses in psychiatric and de-addiction treatment.”
“These doctors will return with certified training, and we aim to offer detox services at least in every district headquarters. Before an addict goes for rehabilitation, detox is essential, and this is something many citizens currently do not have access to,” she added.
Lyngdoh highlighted efforts to improve detox facilities at civil hospitals in Jowai, Shillong, Nongstoin, Baghmara, and Tura. “Tura is already ahead in this regard, having started a wing for detox and drug addiction treatment,” she noted.
Reaffirming the state government’s commitment to combating drug addiction, she said, “We are fully committed to our DREAM policy. Despite any criticism, we will push forward, and within the next five to six years, we will establish centres of excellence.”  She assured that very soon, citizens will have access to adequate facilities for de-addiction, psychological support, and state-of-the-art rehabilitation centres, in collaboration with NGOs capable of sustaining such centres.