The Drug Rehab Center based in the New Mon State Party (NMSP)’s Thaton District, is facing a shortage of treatment medications. The center is located near Min Ywa and KawBein, Kawkareik Township, Karen State.
“We are providing treatment with the medication that we have and as much as we can. But, we do not have enough medication. We can only provide treatment to those who are here (for their addiction). And, we do not have doctors but only medics,” said Nai Ayeka, chair of NMSP’s Thaton District.
The Center provides service to more than 60 individuals each month. Nai Ayeka explained they have to limit the number of the people they can treat due to shortages of treatment drugs, building space and rations.
“We have to use medication that stabilizes indiviudals’ minds so [they can overcome the addiction]. But we are not allowed to buy that. These medications must come from clinics that they were sent to. We can only buy the medications if we have the doctors’ registration. After we check the medication enables stability, then we can then provide treatment to the patients,” said Nai Aie Mon, Head Medics at Center.
With increases in drug related arrests and addicts who are seeking treatment, the shortage of space, treatment medications and rations has become a burden for NMSP’s officials.
The national government is not collaborating with drug prevention measures in NMSP controlled areas.
