Addicts in trouble: Supply of methadone tablets stopped

Licences of 600 out of a total of 800 outlets receiving the tablets had been cancelled, says Afzal Goraya.

GUJRANWALA: Opium addicts are facing problems because of the non-availability of methadone tablets at centres notified by the government. The Punjab director general has sent letters to all excise directors and officers, saying that the methadone quotas have been abolished. Gujranwala Excise Director Ahmed Saeed told the excise officers in a meeting that all licence-holders be informed of the new arrangement. Excise Officer Afzal Goraya said licences of 600 out of a total of 800 outlets receiving the tablets had been cancelled. Haji Fazal Din, Imam Din and Fateh Mohammed said they were suffering from withdrawal symptoms and needed early help.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 23^rd, 2012.