Nagaland has 62 fully-functioning OST centres

August 15, 2024 14 Views No Comment

OST Centre launched at Nagaland Police Referral Hospital, Chümoukedima

Morung Express News
Dimapur | August 15

Considered to the first line in combating against drug abuse, Nagaland boasts 62 fully functioning Opioid Substitution Therapy (OST) and satellite centers stated, Dr Sungtimen Jamir, MO, OST Centre, NHAK. “This extensive network ensures that any registered client can access uninterrupted OST services from any center within the state or across the country, even during travel or relocation,” he said.

The medical official was speaking during the launch of the OST Centre at Nagaland Police Referral Hospital (NPRH), Chümoukedima on August 14. This centre has been set up by the Nagaland Police department in collaboration with Nagaland State Aids Control Society (NSACS). The event had in attendance, Director General of Police (DGP), Rupin Sharma as the special guest.

He considered that the opening of the new centre marks a pivotal milestone by becoming the first in India to do so within a police complex. This pioneering initiative is a testament to their commitment not only to maintaining law and order but also to address the deeper issue of drug addiction through holistic treatment, he added.

Explaining further on the role of OSTs, Jamir mentioned that as a key component of harm reduction strategy, it reduces the risk of HIV transmission by providing safer alternatives to illicit Opioid use, particularly for drugs such as ‘Shanflower,’ heroin, brown sugar, painkillers etc. The alternative medically prescribed, longer-acting and less euphoric Opioid used is called Buprenorphine. “This therapy helps stabilize the patient by reducing withdrawal symptoms and cravings, allowing them to lead a more functional life,” he noted.

In addition, an OST provides comprehensive treatment including counseling, social support and healthcare services. Harm reduction is essential for National AIDS Control Programme phase V (NACP 5) goal of reducing new infections and enhancing quality of life for people living with HIV. Particularly in regions like Nagaland where intravenous drug use is a significant driver of the epidemic, he said.

The DGP, meanwhile, in his address highlighted that among the most unruly recovering patients were policemen. So overtime, we came up with this idea of setting up an OST centre specifically for the police personnel he said.

At the same time, he noted that a maximum of five months time will be given for personnel to recover, with regular check-up on the progress.

There is a tendency among abusers that when the supply is short they will come to the OST, Sharma mentioned.

As such, the first step is disclosing information that might lead to stoppage of availability, the mainly supply source, he added. Remarking that, “The life of an entire generation of people is at stake.”

Dr Ahu Sekhose, Project Director, NSACS maintained that OST is an agent that does not give euphoria to the patient. It is the first step of an individual to admit and accept that he/she is an addict, he said.