Opioid Substitution Therapy (OST) Centre was inaugurated at the Primary Health Centre (PHC) Niuland under Dimapur District on June 12. NSACS official Dr. R Rose, SPO HIV/TB (NSACS), gave a brief introduction on OST programme.
He stated that OST was a programme initiated by NACO for Injecting Drug User (IDU). IDU is one of the high risk groups vulnerable to HIV infection and that OST involves substitution of illicit, unsafe Opioid drugs which may be taken through injecting routed with a legal medicine which has similar properties as that of the injecting Opioid but taken with safer route (orally).The medicines takes care of the drug Hunger and gives hope to the IDUs. Meanwhile, joint director (targeted intervention) NSACS Dr.Bernice stated that OST has been successful in reducing other harm related to drug it has been recognized worldwide as an effective evidence based treatment for Opioid dependence and harm reduction strategy. She also said this programme has benefited not only the IDUs alone but also their families.
DTO Dr. Khelito expressed gratitude to department for implementing OST at Niuland PHC. She said it was not only the responsibility of the medical department but required the involvement of the community, Church leaders and client for the effective implementation of this programme. She encouraged all link workers to cooperate and work together for better service delivery. The programme was attended by NSACS official, Medical staffs under Niuland PHC, district aids prevention control unit, GBs and NGOs.
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