Department of Health (DOH) – MIMAROPA (Oriental/Occidental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan) recently concluded a 2-day orientation for health workers, local government officials and members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) on the screening, assessment and referral of drug dependents in Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro.
“Due to the increasing number of drug users who are voluntarily surrendering to authorities, we need to maximize and provide an immediate response system that will provide them medical support and be taken care of right away,” Regional Director Eduardo C. Janairo stated.
“Once they submitted themselves and have been processed accordingly, they must directly undergo a wellness treatment in order for them not to have a relapse. Delay in their rehabilitation might cause them to return to their regular drug habits,” he emphasized.
As of August 24, 2016, Oriental Mindoro has the largest number of drug surrenderees with a total of 9,147; Occidental Mindoro with 3,188; Palawan with 4,175; Romblon with 819; and Marinduque with 745.
According to Janairo, health workers all over the region including local government units and members of the PNP who are directly involved in the facilitation and referral of drug rehabilitation will undergo an orientation in order for them to handle the situation efficiently.
Drug users with no pending criminal cases and does not need any medical treatment can be referred by the PNP to other agencies that can provide livelihood programs, training and other forms of assistance.
Dr. Janairo explained that those who choose to seek medical treatment can proceed to health centers to undergo screening, basic assessment of their general health status and diagnosis, intervention, treatment or referral for any co-occurring disorders and other diseases that they may have contracted as a result of drug use such as TB, HIV and even mental disorder.
“We are in the process of developing an after care program for these drug dependents because it more essential than the treatment process. In addition, there are only six DOH-accredited physicians in MIMAROPA who are trained in drug dependence evaluation, “he revealed.
“DOH-MIMAROPA in collaboration with LGUs has been fast tracking the organization of rehabilitation centers in the whole region which will be opened this year to accommodate those needing drug treatment and rehabilitation,” Dr. Janairo concluded. (Glen Ramos/PR/DOH)
