The Department of Health-Mimaropa has trained health workers, local government officials and members of the Philippine National Police on the screening, assessment and referral of drug dependents.
Regional health director Eduardo Janairo cited the need to maximize and provide an immediate response system to ensure medical support amid the increasing number of drug users who are voluntarily surrendering to authorities.
“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 said.
DoH data showed Oriental Mindoro has the largest number of drug surrenderees in the region with a total of 9,147; followed by 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 rehabilation, will undergo an orientation in order for them to handle the situation efficiently.
“We are in the process of developing an after care program for these drug dependents because it is 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 said.
“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,” Janairo added.