Drug rehab facility breaks ground in Sarangani

ALABEL, Sarangani – Chinese and Philippine officials graced on Friday the groundbreaking of a 3300million drug rehabilitation facility here which will cater to more than 40, 000 drug surrenderees in the region.

Jin Yuan of the Chinese Embassy, said China has funded the construction of the regional drug rehabilitation center in support of the antiillegal drugs campaign of President Duterte.

He said the 150-bed capacity drug rehabilitation facility will be completed in 21 months, with President Duterte expected to grace the inauguration rites.

The Sarangani provincial government had allocated some 33.5 million for the purchase of a 3-hectare land here which serves as site of the drug treatment center.

Health undersecretary Roger Tong-an said the Department of Health will manage the operation of the drug rehab facility, the first in Region 12 which covers the provinces of Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, South Cotabato and Sarangani.

He said the DOH and the Chinese government opted to construct the regional drug rehab facility to cater to the drug surrenderees with severe cases who are required to undergo facility-based drug rehabilitation treatment.

He said the drug rehabilitation center will require almost 100 workers, including clinical psychiatrists, nurses and paramedics.

Tong-an said the DOH had already negotiated with the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) regarding coverage of patients admitted to the facility.