Pubdate: Mon, 01 Oct 2007
Source: Star, The (Malaysia)
Copyright: 2007 Star Publications (Malaysia) Bhd.
Contact:  http://www.thestar.com.my
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/922
Author: Mazwin Nik, ANIS

METHADONE TREATMENT FOR 25,000 DRUG ADDICTS

PUTRAJAYA: The methadone replacement therapy programme  will be 
extended to help more drug addicts, as the  curing method has proven 
effective and successful,  Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said.

The Deputy Prime Minister said the aim was for the  programme to 
reach 25,000 addicts by 2010.

Currently, some 5,000 individuals were undergoing  methadone 
replacement therapy at 58 locations across  the country including 
hospitals, health and private  clinics.

"We are pleased that the programme has borne positive  results. 
According to records, 66% of those who undergo  a 12-month therapy 
are able to maintain permanent  employment while 24.9% will take on odd jobs.

"The Government will also be expanding the needle  exchange programme 
as we believe that both programmes  can contribute significantly in 
reducing chances of  them being infected with HIV/AIDS," he said 
after chairing the Cabinet Committee on HIV/AIDS meeting  Monday. 
According to Health Ministry's records, the  government spends 
RM14.45mil for the methadone  replacement therapy and this includes 
training, screening exercises, medical tests and providing the  drugs 
to programme participants.

Another RM7.9mil is spent for the needle exchange programme.

Najib said the government has managed to lower the cost  of providing 
methadone from RM5 per tablet to only  RM1.80, adding two companies 
were currently supplying  the Health Ministry with the drugs.

He said Malaysia's achievement in the programme was  beyond the 
target set by the World Health Organisation,  with a 77.11% patient 
retention rate being achieved  compared with the between 55% and 60% 
set by the world  body.
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MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart