PRIVATE CLINICS ROPED IN TO HELP ADDICTS KICK THEIR HABIT

KOTA BARU -- One hundred and twenty-nine private practitioners have been
roped in by the Government to serve those who need help to overcome their
drug addiction.

National Drug Agency deputy director-general Wan Ibrahim Wan Ahmad said
these centres had been accredited by the agency, and they were intended
mainly for those who were more well-off and those who preferred a more
personalised treatment regime.

He was speaking to reporters yesterday after closing a one-day seminar on
drug problems in the workplace.

Chaired by the state agency's director, Yusoff Che Mamat, panel members
included Kelantan police's narcotics department head Supt Mohd Nor Mansor,
Kota Baru general hospital's psychiatric department head Dr Suaran Singh
and the agency's director for therapy, Ariffin Abdullah.

"After being briefed by our specialists, the general practitioners have
adequate knowledge and expertise to treat drug addicts," said Ibrahim, who
hoped that this mode of rehabilitation could have a greater success rate.

Presently, the price charged for sessions at the clinics depended on
individual general practitioners, who did not receive any allocation from
the Government for this purpose.

According to Ibrahim, the accredited clinics would display a certificate
from the agency.

"Right now, not many know of the existence of these clinics, but for those
who are regulars, they should know about this service."

He added that the agency would make known the names of these clinics from
time to time.

Presently, three of them are in Kelantan, with one in Pasir Mas, and two in
Kota Baru.