KUALA LUMPUR: There is no urgency or need to instal security system at methadone clinics nationwide as situation is under control.
Health director-general Datuk Seri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said the last report of aggression among dadah addicts was two years ago.
He was commenting on an NST Online report titled “Drug addicts threaten medical officers for methadone” on Aug 18.
The report had quoted Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public and Civil Services (Cuepacs) president Azih Muda as saying that some addicts had threatened medical officers.
Dr Noor Hisham said the ministry did not deny the report about aggressive addicts, but stressed that it was an isolated case that occurred two years ago.
“Furthermore, the incident (of aggressiveness involving sharp object) happened among drug addicts and not towards health care workers,” he said.
“We offered advice and counselling sessions to drug addicts to prevent such incident.
“Besides, they have been warned that they will be terminated from the programme if they are found to be aggressive on health care workers or fellow clients,” he said.
The ministry anticipated an increase in the number of addicts who seek Oral Substitute Therapy (OST). Currently there are 811 facilities nationwide.
“This programme is a big success as it reaches out to more than 60,000 drug addicts, achieving 85 per cent client retention above World Health Organisation (WHO) target of 60 per cent.
“Currently, the OST consists of government clinics (46pc), private clinics (45pc), National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK) (7pc) and prison (2pc),” Dr Noor Hisham said.
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