MORE DOCTORS NEEDED TO TREAT ADDICTS

THE Philippines needs to train more medical practitioners in handling
drug cases, the Dangerous Drugs Board said on Friday.

"The country only has about 200 to 300 physicians specializing in
patients suffering from drug addiction," Dr. Rommel Garcia, DDB deputy
executive director, told The Manila Times.

To fill the gap, Garcia said the DDB will closely coordinate with the
Department of Health in training more doctors and streamlining
procedures for the acceptance of drug addicts for rehabilitation.

"We are aiming a doctor-to-drug patient ratio of 1:300. Right now, we
have at least 3 million drug users and addicts in the country, so it's
clear that the number of doctors would have to be increased," said
Garcia.

He said drug patients cannot be easily handled by a regular medical
practitioner.

"That is because drug cases are no ordinary cases. They also have to
deal with the psychological tendencies of the patients," said Garcia.

Negros Navigation Co. has agreed to assist the DDB in educating the
people on the danger of using illegal drugs.

June Tagod, Nenaco president, said their ships would be used as venues
for the government's information campaign against drugs.

"We will provide monitors for passengers to see the video clip that
contains the DDB's message on the ill effects of drugs," said Tagod.

DDB Executive Director Jose Calida said the agreement is a big help in
their campaign against drugs.

"I would like to thank them [Nenaco] for their help. It would provide
a big boost on our campaign against illegal drugs," said Calida.