Africa-Press – Tanzania. ZANZIBAR President Dr Hussein Mwinyi on Thursday directed responsible authorities here to ensure they properly supervise methadone provision in the isles.
Dr Mwinyi, thus, ordered the Ministry of Health, Social Welfare, Elders, Gender and Children and the Drugs Coordination and Control Commission (ZDCCC) to address poor supervision of methadone services in the isles.
According to experts, methadone, a powerful synthetic analgesic drug which is similar to morphine, is used as a substitute drug in the treatment of drugs, mainly morphine and heroin addiction, as recommended by the World Health Organisation.
President Mwinyi issued the directives at Kidongo Chekundu Mental Hospital during the launch of a new building at the health facility construction in collaboration between the Zanzibar government and donors from Norway.
Mwinyi said that he was aware of poor supervision in provision of methadone services, including failure to monitor behaviour development of people receiving the services.
“Let’s not get to the point where this methadone service unit is turned into a place of drug dealers and users… all responsible authorities should resolve the problem,” Dr Mwinyi said.
He said there were complaints over frequent shortage of methadone due to corruption and mismanagement of the drug.
“Let us not get to the point where this methadone administration unit is turned into a place of drug dealers and users… all responsible authorities should resolve the problem,” Dr Mwinyi said.
He said that there are complaints and allegations from residents at Kidongo Chekundu area and other surrounding areas about the increasing crimes committed by some drug addicts who visit the hospital for treatment.
The president also instructed the anti-drugs Commission to expedite the ongoing construction of a substance abuse rehabilitation centre in the Kidimni village, Central District as well as the construction of a similar rehab centre in Kangagani area, Wete District in Pemba.
“Once the centres are completed, will enable the treatment and assistance for the drug addicts in secluded places without causing inconveniences to other people,” he said, while emphasizing the need for the public to stop stigmatising victims.
Commenting on the new building, President Mwinyi instructed the Ministry of Health, Social Welfare, Elders, Gender and Children to expedite plans for more staff and medical equipment that would improve the services offered.
For More News And Analysis About Tanzania Follow Africa-Press
