Over 800 people Await Drug Rehabilitation Treatments Nationwide

There are over 800 people waiting to receive various drug rehabilitation treatments across the country, the National Drug Agency (NDA) revealed today.

State Minister for Homeland Security, Lubna Zahir, said during a press briefing that the waitlists consist of 459 individuals seeking community reintegration treatment, 311 awaiting methadone-maintenance treatment, 43 awaiting detoxification treatment, 32 awaiting residential treatment, and one individual awaiting treatment at a halfway house.

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Acknowledging the extended wait times, Lubna highlighted that the agency is currently conducting assessments for those on the waitlist to evaluate addiction severity and facilitate appropriate treatment connections.

Currently, the NDA oversees the rehabilitation treatments of 1240 individuals across the country. This includes 434 individuals in residential community care, 189 undergoing methadone-assisted treatment, 427 receiving detoxification treatments, 134 undergoing residential treatment, and 9 individuals receiving treatment in halfway houses.

Additionally, Lubna noted that within the national reintegration centre, 21 individuals, including 14 children, are undergoing treatment under rehabilitation orders from either the criminal court or juvenile court for a period of six months. Renewal of court orders will be sought if treatment is not completed within this timeframe.