MVR 30m added to drug rehab budget
Lubna called on government-owned companies to employ such people.
By
Aishath Maha
An additional MVR 30 million has been allocated to the treatment system to treat and rehabilitate substance abusers .
The announcement was made by National Drug Agency (NDA) Chairman and Homeland Minister Lubna Mohamed Zahir Hussain.
Lubna made the announcement at a ceremony held on Thursday night to hand over a certificate of completion of treatment to a person who had completed the treatment programme under the drug court's rehabilitation order last year.
Rehabilitation programs are organised and conducted by the NDA. The budget for the facility this year is USD 117 million.
Lubna said the government has already increased its spending on drug treatment. However, the system still needs to be further strengthened and an additional MVR 30 million has been included in the budget, she said.
Those who complete such rehabilitation programs should be given job opportunities, she said. She called on government-owned companies to employ such people.
In addition, Lubna stressed the importance of community support and cooperation for those seeking treatment for substance addiction.
According to the Drug Court:
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Last year, 586 people were ordered to seek treatment
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Of these, 419 have completed the programme
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173 people were discharged from treatment and ordered to serve their first sentences
There are seven centres for drug abuse around the country. The treatments offered include:
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Treatment for people sentenced to community treatment by drug court (3-6 months treatment)
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Detoxification Program (14-21 days)
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After Care Program
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Methadone Maintenance Program
