OPH vows to treat 300,000 addicts in 2010

BANGKOK, 20 November 2009 (NNT) – The Ministry of Public Health aims to treat at least 300,000 drug addicts in 2010 by encouraging the participation of people in the community.

The Minister of Public Health, Mr Witthaya Kaewparadai, said the ministry had a target to treat at least 300,000 drug addicts in 2010, a 3-fold increase from the previous target of 105,000. The new scheme will concentrate more on the involvement of public health volunteers in each community who will assist drug addicts in receiving proper treatment.

The ministry has stipulated a 5-point defensive strategy against narcotics, namely (1) borderline watch: to stem cross-border drug trafficking (2) community watch: to encourage locals’ participation in drug soloutions including treatment (3) society watch: to urge people in the community, especially those in student dormitories to keep a watchful eye on addicts (4) family watch: with family members helping provide spiritual support, guiding addicts to physical and medical treatment and (5) school watch: by recruiting teachers’ help in monitoring the drug situation.

According to the Medical Department, most patients being treated are those addicted to amphetamines, followed by cannabis, ecstasy and inhalants. The majority of the addicts are in the age range of 15-24. The youngest found is a 9-year-old amphetamine addict. The Department found that 20% of Thai women are currently drug addicts, an increase of 10%. 55% of the addicts are in Bangkok and its perimeter and 30% are in the South.