KATHMANDU, AUGUST 27
The Procedure related to Operation of Drug Users' Treatment and Rehabilitation Centres recently issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs has made the provisions for rehabilitation and reintegration of drug users into the society in a systematic way.
As per the procedure, the treatment and rehabilitation centres will not only provide medical services for reduction of negative impacts caused by drugs and alcohol, but also conduct skill-based training and counselling for their integration into society without fear of stigmatisation.
Under this procedure, non-government organisations will operate the treatment and rehabilitation centres on the land or other physical infrastructure owned or built by the government.
Only drug users recommended by a certified doctor will be entitled to enrolment in the centres. At least 25 per cent of drug users will get service free of charge on the basis of their economic condition. In the case of drug users other than those recommended by the government authorities, the centres may collect reasonable fees from service-seekers as fixed by the government. According to the procedure, the MoHA will invite proposals from interested NGOs to run the centres. The procedure has also defined the eligibility criteria of non-governmental organisations to be eligible to operate treatment and rehabilitation centres in partnership with the government. There will be a seven-member district coordination and monitoring committee led by the concerned chief district officer for selection, coordination and monitoring of treatment and rehabilitation centres. After the non-governmental organisations are selected, the government will sign a two-year contract with them. The contract period may be renewed for one year based on their performance.
If any drug user undergoing treatment is physically or mentally harmed due to the negligence of the centre, it shall be liable to pay compensation to the victim in accordance with the prevailing law, it says.
According to the procedure, the centres should be established and operated in a clean and peaceful environment and be close to a hospital or health institution with road transportation facilities. The centres should have at least one ropani land in Kathmandu valley and a minimum of three ropani land in other parts of the country. The centres should also have yoga room, classroom, workout room, kitchen, library, office room, treatment room and required number of bathrooms and toilets.
The procedure has stipulated a provision of separate bed for each patient, proper lighting and ventilation system, roundthe-clock supply of water and electricity, playground, garden and safe compound wall at the centre.
A version of this article appears in the print on August 28, 2023, of The Himalayan Times.
