DOH eyes drug rehab center in every community — Ubial
CONSIDERING the big number of drug pushers and users surrendering since the election of President Rodrigo Duterte, newly-installed Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Paulyn Ubial yesterday said they are looking at establishing drug treatment centers in every community.
Speaking to reporters after officially assuming the post, Ubial said they want to make the drug rehabilitation centers more accessible to those looking to undergo treatment.
Drug dependents
“The most feasible way we are looking into is for the very large number of those that surrendered, who will be coming out for treatment for their drug dependence, is a community-based program, wherein they don’t have to go to the institution,” said Ubial.
“We will design a program, where they can just stay in the community. But we will ensure that they have the proper management,” she added.
For several weeks now, there had been drug users and pushers surrendering to their local police authorities.
Ubial said the initiative comes as part of the agency’s overall effort to enhance the drug rehabilitation program.
“Because the treatment and the rehab centers are under the Department of Health, I think we can start with the upgrading and expanding the services of our treatment and rehab centers,” said Ubial.
Earlier, the Duterte administration has vowed to solve the drug menace in the country as its topmost priority upon its inauguration.
Meanwhile, Ubial said she intends to focus the DOH’s work under her administration on the expansion of the national health insurance coverage for all Fili- pinos, strengthening the service delivery network nationwide, and the prevention of both infectious and non-communicable diseases.
Prior to her appointment, Ubial was serving as DOH Assistant Secretary since 2008. Sunnex)