Nagaland Police department, in collaboration with the Nagaland State AIDS Control Society (NSACS), inaugurated the state’s first Opioid Substitution Therapy (OST) centre at the Nagaland Police Referral Hospital (NPRH) complex in Chümoukedima on Wednesday.
Addressing the gathering after inaugurating the centre, Director General of Police (DGP) Nagaland, Rupin Sharma emphasized the critical need to address drug abuse within the police force. DGP encouraged personnel struggling with addiction to seek help from the newly established facility, assuring them of support throughout their recovery.
He also extended the center’s services to civilians residing in the Chümoukedima area. DGP underscored the department’s zero-tolerance policy towards drug abuse, revealing that 12-13 officials/personnel had been dismissed for drug use.
He highlighted that many officials/personnel had voluntarily sought help. Sharma assured that treatment is available at all times without prolonged waiting periods and called for NSACS support in providing necessary medication and counseling services.
In addition to addressing internal issues, DGP urged the public to assist the police by reporting drug dealers and helping dismantle the drug supply chain.
He assured confidentiality for informants and noted that the Nagaland police had arrested approximately 450 drug dealers last year. Currently, around 8,000 individuals are receiving treatment at addiction centers across the state.
Dr. Sungtimen Jamir, the medical officer at the OST center, introduced the concept of OST and its role in addressing the rising HIV prevalence in Nagaland.
He noted that OST, a key component of the National AIDS Control Programme Phase V (NACP 5), replaces illicit opioids with medically prescribed alternatives like Buprenorphine. This approach helps reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings while mitigating the risk of HIV and Hepatitis transmission.
Dr. Sungtimen added that Nagaland now boasts 62 fully functioning OST and satellite centres, including the newly inaugurated facility, ensuring statewide access to uninterrupted services.
Dr. Sungtimen lauded the establishment of the OST center within a police facility as a pioneering initiative in India, reflecting the Nagaland Police department’s commitment to addressing drug addiction through a holistic approach. He emphasized that integrating healthcare and law enforcement is crucial in tackling opioid addiction and HIV effectively.
He urged continued collaboration between law enforcement, medical professionals, and the community to advance the fight against addiction and HIV. “Every step we take in advancing OST brings us closer to a healthier, safer, and more compassionate society,” he added.
Earlier, invocation was pronounced by Police Baptist Church pastor Rev A. Temsu Longkumer, welcome address by NPRH chief medical officer Dr. Sentinukla, and a short speech by NSACS project director Dr. Ahu Sekhose. The vote of thanks was delivered by NPRH senior medical officer Dr. Amenla P.