Dimapur, March 28 (MExN): Opioid Substitution Therapy (OST) programme was launched at District Hospital Dimapur on March 28 at District Hospital Auditorium.
The programme was chaired by Ms. Mecievinuo, DPO(DAPCU) and invocation prayer delivered by Rev. Mar, Chaplain, DH Chapel. Dr. DitsoloMero, MS DHD gave a brief introduction on OST programme. He stated that OST is a programme initiated by NACO for Injecting Drug User (IDU). IDU is one of the high risk groups vulnerable to HIV infection, thus NACO has adopted this harm reduction strategy to prevent HIV transmission among IDUs under which preventive services are provided. OST involves substitution of illicit, unsafe opioid drugs which maybe taken through injecting route with a legal medicine which has similar properties as that of the injecting opioid but taken with safer route (orally). As the medicine take cares of the drug hunger, IDUs stop to reduce injecting drugs leading to decrease risk of transmission of HIV and other blood borne virus. OST is a Direct Observation Treatment system where the medicine is administered at the OST center by a trained Doctor or Nurse.
Dr. R. Rose, SPO, HIV/TB (NSACS) while giving a brief status of IDU and HIV in Nagaland, stated that the sharing syringes and needles is one of the main routes of transmission of HIV among the IDUs .he further stated that the benefit of OST goes beyond prevention of HIV. OST has been successful in reducing other harm related to drug, especially when combined with psycho-social interventions. OST has been recognized worldwide as an effective evident based treatment for opioid dependence and harm reduction strategy. The client of OST stops in indulging in petty crimes, becomes stabilized psychologically, is able to think coherently and also is able to take care of his family and also becomes gainfully employed.
Dr. M. A. Wati, Chief Medical Officer appreciated NACO for implementing OST in Dimapur District and hopes that through this programme, not only the IDUs but also their families will benefit from it. He also encourages the health workers and clients to co-operate and sincerely work together towards reduction of drug dependency.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. C. C. Kezo and the administration of the first dose of OST drugs to a client. The programme was attended by Staff under District Hospital and NGOs.
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