Punjab SWD to help drug addicts kick the habit

Its centre rehabilitated nearly 3,700 addicts since its inception

MULTAN: The Punjab Social Welfare Department (SWD) has decided to establish a drug rehabilitation centre where technical training would be imparted to the drug addicts, helping them with livelihood and taking measures to keep them away from drug addiction in future.

In a meeting chaired by Secretary Social Welfare Department Zahid Saleem Gondal, few days ago, the department would provide opportunities to the drug addicts to become useful citizens.

SWD official Abdul Maalik said the centre rehabilitated nearly 3,700 addicts since its inception from 2011-12.

“The arrangements for the new block are being finalised and in the next few days, the training of rehabilitated drug addicts would begin.” He added that training in plumbing, welding and electrical sector would be imparted.

He maintained that new staff was being recruited. “The government will also recruit a placement officer in the organisation who would be responsible to arrange jobs for rehabilitated drug addicts in government or private workplace,” he said.

Maalik further mentioned that the drug addicts would have to take three months training and the Punjab government would bear all expenses in this regard.

He highlighted that over 500 addicts, including 70% of heroin addicts have been treated at the Drug Rehabilitation Centre annually. The Drug Rehabilitation Centre in Multan is the only centre across the province, working under the supervision of the Social Welfare Department on Mattital Road, he added. “There was less number of rehab patients from 2011 to 2013 as people had no information about the centre,” he said. Maalik, however, observed that many people have been approaching the centre for rehabilitation of drug addicts these days. “Currently, 22 staff members, including MBBS doctors, nurses and others are working at the facility. The centre provides residence, food, clothes and complete treatment to the inmates,” he said. The official further notified that two weeks are enough for the rehabilitation of a drug addict but in some cases, they take three weeks for detoxification.

Speaking about the nature of drug addicts rehabilitated at the centre, Maalik said, 70% are heroin addicts. He maintained that the rehabilitation of such addicts is not a difficult task; however, there are also cases in which medicines are prescribed to them. “In such cases, the human body becomes habitual of medicines and it takes more time for rehabilitation,” he said.

Maalik suggested that rehabilitated persons should be monitored properly. They should not be provided with an opportunity to re-join their previous peer groups. “The new block of the technical centre to impart skills to rehabilitated persons would not divert their attention from their past but also provide the opportunity to eke out a respectable living,” he said.

Moreover, he urged the parents and society to play a vital role in keeping their closed ones away from falling prey to drug addiction.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 16^th, 2019.