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DIMAPUR — The chief medical officer (CMO) of Mon, Dr. Supongmenla Walling, on August 31 inaugurated a Satellite Opioid Substitution Therapy (OST) centre under National AIDS Control Programme (NACO) at Chen primary health centre (PHC).
Speaking at the inaugural programme, Dr. Walling informed that the government has implemented two strategies to combat addiction namely OST and addiction treatment centre in Mon, stated an update from CMO.
“Starting an OST centre will engage an addicted individual in social activities, and the community will benefit from having a socially responsible person in town. The free legal substance supplied at the centre will be consumed orally by injecting drug users daily in front of the nurse until they are free of psychological dependence,” she stated.
On the shortage of manpower, she informed that the issue would be resolved soon as the matter has been conveyed to the Health and Family Welfare department.
She concluded by saying that the department has launched the OST centre but its operation would depend on the community. She, therefore, requested them to take care of the staff and the centre.
Nchumthung Ezung, SDO of Chen, stated that the effort of government alone is not possible for any programme to be successful. He added that the community support and participation would help achieve any goals.
In this regard, he requested and encouraged all the civil societies to come forward to build resistance against drugs and drug dealers and to give awareness to the citizens to avail the service at the newly launched OST centre.
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Longyim, DPO DAPCU, briefly discussed on the process of establishing an OST centre in Chen town.
Later in technical aspect, he contributed his skills in dealing with drug users while working at the OST centre.
Dr. Nokyat Y, medical officer in-charge of OST centre at DH, Mon, shared the concept and benefits of OST, while Yayem, president of KU Chen unit, and Lockpa, vice president of CASU, delivered short speeches.
The programme was chaired by Pangpat, outreach worker at TI NNP+Aboi (Targeted Intervention-Network of Naga people living with HIV/ Aids), and the vote of thanks was delivered by Chingtok, chairman of HCMC, PHC Chen.
Benediction and dedication prayer was said by T Pulei, pastor of CTBC.
Following the launch programme, an induction camp was organised wherein 38 new clients were counseled and checked by senior medical officers of Aboi namely Dr. Nungshikokba Imchen and Dr. Nokyat.