Technical training for rehabilitated drug addicts to commence soon.

MULTAN -- Social Welfare Department Punjab will establish a block at Drug Rehabilitation Centre where technical training would be imparted to the rehabilitated drug addicts, enabling them for livelihood and keeping them away from drug addiction in future. An official from social welfare department Abdul Maalik said the decision was taken in a meeting, chaired by Secretary Social Welfare Department Zahid Saleem Gondal, few days ago. He said arrangements for the new block were being finalised and in next few days, the training of rehabilitated drug addicts would begin.

The training in three trades including plumbing, welding and electrical would be imparted, he said. The centre rehabilitated nearly 3700 addicts since its inception from 2011-12, he said and added that new staff was being recruited. The government will also recruit a Placement Officer in the organization who would be responsible to arrange jobs for rehabilitated drug addicts in government or private workplace, he added.

The drug addicts would have to take three months training, he said added, the Punjab government would bear all expenses in this regard. He remarked that over 500 addicts, including 70 percent heroin addicts were treated at the Drug Rehabilitation Centre annually. The Drug Rehabilitation Centre in Multan is the only centre across the province, working under the supervision of Social Welfare Department on Mattital Road, he added.

He said, there was less number of rehab patients from 2011 to 2013 as people had no information about the centre. Maalik, however, observed that a good number of people were contacting the centre for rehabilitation of drug addicts these days. Replying to a question, he said the centre offered its services for those drug addicts who were willing to get treatment.

However, chronic or violent drug addicts were referred to the Nishtar Hospital. About Drug Rehabilitation Centre, he said, currently 22 staffers, including MBBS doctors, nurses and other supporting staffer were working at the facility. The centre provides residence...