Saturday, 07 February, 2009 | 09:22 WIB
TEMPO Interactive, Yogyakarta: The Health Office will prepare a Methadone Therapy Program (PTRM) at one hospital and four community health centers (Puskesmas) to replace drug injections. "Whether it is heroin or other drugs, they will be replaced with a synthetic alternative with lower addictive effect," said Dr Akhmad Akhadi, chief of the Yogyakarta Health Office in charge of Disease Control, following a discussion on HIV/AIDS management yesterday.
Akhmad said the program was to be implemented in 2011. However, considering the high number of HIV/AIDS patients originating among the drug injecting addicts, , the program has been accelerated. Based on data from the National AIDS Commission, Akhmad said, there are about 2.000 people injecting drugs in Yogyakarta and 3.000 in Sleman.
Dr Sardjito General Hospital is the only hospital providing the PTRM service. New clinics will be opened in July at Gedung Tengen, Umbulhardjo, Depok, Godean, and Gracia Hospital. The Health Office will also supply affordable sterile needles at those clinics.
BERNADA RURIT
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