Satellite Opioid Substitution Therapy (OST) Centre under National AIDS Control Programme was inaugurated on August 31, at Chen Primary Health Centre (PHC).
The OST Centre aimed to help individuals struggling with addiction by engaging them in social activities, thereby fostering a socially responsible community. The facility will provide a legal substitute for opioids, which will be administered orally under supervision until the individual was free from psychological dependence.
A press release from media officer, NHM, Mon, Leeyan Chemshy informed that Chief Medical Officer Mon Dr. Supongmenla Walling, expressed gratitude to all attendees and celebrated the opening of the OST facility, highlighting its significance in combating addiction in the region.
She outlined the government’s two-pronged strategy, which includes the establishment of the OST Centre and an Addiction Treatment Centre in Mon. Dr. Walling also addressed concerns about manpower shortages, pointing out that the issue has been communicated to the department of Health and Family Welfare in Kohima.
She emphasized that the success of the OST Centre will depend on community support and urged the public to care for the staff and the facility. SDO Chen Nchumthung Ezung, emphasized that government efforts alone was insufficient for the success of any program. He therefore called for strong community support to resist drug abuse and create awareness about the services offered at the newly launched OST Centre.
DPO, DAPCU Longyim, provided an overview of the process involved in establishing the OST Centre in Chen and shared his expertise in dealing with drug users. Medical Officer in-charge OST Centre, District Hospital Mon Dr. Nokyat Y, elaborated on the concept and benefits of OST, while community leaders, including Yayem, president of KU Chen Unit, and Lockpa, vice-president of CASU, also delivered brief speeches.
The program was chaired by Pangpat, an outreach worker with the Targeted Intervention-Network of Naga People Living with HIV and AIDS (TI NNP+Aboi), and concluded with a vote of thanks by Chingtok, chairman of the Health Centre Management Committee (HCMC) at PHC Chen. A benediction and dedication prayer was offered by T. Pulei, pastor of the Chen Town Baptist Church.
Following the launch, an induction camp was organized where 38 new clients were counseled and assessed by Senior Medical Officers Dr. Nungshikokba Imchen and Dr. Nokyat.