METHADONE TREATMENT FOR 25,000 DRUG ADDICTS

PUTRAJAYA: The methadone replacement therapy programme will be
extended to help more drug addicts, as the curing method has proven
effective and successful, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said.

The Deputy Prime Minister said the aim was for the programme to
reach 25,000 addicts by 2010.

Currently, some 5,000 individuals were undergoing methadone
replacement therapy at 58 locations across the country including
hospitals, health and private clinics.

"We are pleased that the programme has borne positive results.
According to records, 66% of those who undergo a 12-month therapy
are able to maintain permanent employment while 24.9% will take on odd jobs.

"The Government will also be expanding the needle exchange programme
as we believe that both programmes can contribute significantly in
reducing chances of them being infected with HIV/AIDS," he said
after chairing the Cabinet Committee on HIV/AIDS meeting Monday.
According to Health Ministry's records, the government spends
RM14.45mil for the methadone replacement therapy and this includes
training, screening exercises, medical tests and providing the drugs
to programme participants.

Another RM7.9mil is spent for the needle exchange programme.

Najib said the government has managed to lower the cost of providing
methadone from RM5 per tablet to only RM1.80, adding two companies
were currently supplying the Health Ministry with the drugs.

He said Malaysia's achievement in the programme was beyond the
target set by the World Health Organisation, with a 77.11% patient
retention rate being achieved compared with the between 55% and 60%
set by the world body.