Unveiling a landmark initiative set to make a substantial difference in the realm of public health, the Ministry of Public Health in Thailand has declared that treatment centres for drug addicts will be established in government hospitals all across the nation. This declaration was made in the course of a significant seminar focussed on drug prevention and suppression. The seminar was graced with the presence of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew.
The pledge to inaugurate rehabilitation centres transpires to reinforce Prime Minister Srettha’s directive to provide adequate and effective help for drug addicts. As an affirmation, Dr. Opas Kankawinpong, a key figure in the Ministry, expounded on the upcoming plans during the insightful seminar.
At present, Thailand boasts 42 mini Thanyarak services specifically focussed on treating drug dependency located in state hospitals. In a commendable move, the newly elected government strings together a plan to extend these admirable services in all state hospitals, thereby making accessible treatment for all.
Shedding light on the prevailing situation, Dr Opas reported that approximately 1.9 million individuals in Thailand battle drug addiction. A distressingly high number of 38,000 severely addicted users, who bear the strain of “red patient” categorization, account for 2% of this figure. On the other end of the spectrum are 1.4 million or 74% ‘green patients,’ representing the majority of general users. Sandwiched in between these two extremes is a cohort of 456,000 ‘yellow patients,’ responsible for 24%, representing moderate usage.
The resolution to upgrade the universal health care system, colloquially referred to as the ’30-baht plus,’ was announced by the health minister, and it interestingly extends to ameliorating the situation of drug addicts. Dr. Opas stressed that this revolutionary proposal would involve recruiting a higher number of psychiatric nurses and clinical therapists. These professionals will be tasked with overseeing the rehabilitation process in the mini-Thanyarak facilities countrywide.
In an innovative approach towards patient care, the public health ministry seeks to incorporate technology into the healing process. As part of this initiative, telemedicine is set to be deployed to provide long-term care to patients who courageously attempt to rid themselves of drug addiction. This multipronged approach exudes optimism towards creating a healthier future for the country’s population grappling with the vice of drug addiction.
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