The Minister of Health and Sports is correct when he says that drug use disorders are a health problem. He deserves respect and support for the hard work ahead.

Jamie

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Minister: Drug use a ‘public health problem’
Pyae Thet Phyo
Myanmar Times
Tuesday, 13 December 2016

Minister for Health and Sport Dr Myint Htwe told the Amyotha Hluttaw yesterday that his ministry will assist in the fight against illicit drug use by approaching the issue as a public health problem.

“The problem of narcotic drugs must be dealt with as a public health problem. It is not possible to deal with this problem by taking [punitive] actions alone – [for example], by handing out penalties and sending users to prison,” the minister said.

It is crucial to consider public health principles in developing a response to the issue, he added, meaning that it is important that doctors are appropriately trained and treatments are adapted to suit the needs of patients.

The minister’s remarks were made in response to a question from lawmaker U Mai Ohn Khaing (Ta’ang National Party; Shan 10), who enquired about the construction of a dedicated health care centre for drug addicts in Manton township, which is in the Palaung self-administrative zone.

“Our ministry will respond to this issue as a public health problem in order to fight it and we will urgently make arrangements for these five-bed places [for specialised addiction treatment] in Manton Hospital,” Dr Myint Htwe said.

“Manton township is also determined to eradicate narcotics use by treating it as a public health problem,” he added.

http://www.mmtimes.com/index.php/national-news/nay-pyi-taw/24171-minister-drug-use-a-public-health-problem.html