IMPHAL July 29: Manipur Drug Users Forum convener, R.K Gyanjotin has appealed to the ministry of Social Justice and Environment to look into the prevailing conditions of drug rehabilitation centres in the state.
Talking to media persons at Manipur Network of Positive People office at Yaiskul Police Lane today, he said that a 25 year old Goubeklhun who was an inmate of Betshaida Rehabilitation centre at New Lamka, Churachandpur was brought to the district hospital on July 24, the person was seriously injured. As the medical facilities in the district hospital were not sufficient, the case was referred to Shija Hospital. The doctors at Shija claimed that due to severe injuries sustained on the head, the patient must be operated and the cost will be approximately Rs 72,000.
He further maintained that as the money could not be arranged immediately; medical treatment was not carried out, however Goubeklhun expired the following day on July 25.
The convener further maintained that the rehabilitation centre had failed to inform Goubeklhun’s family about his being admitted to the district hospital with injury. This is the third time that such an incident has happened within the premises of the said rehab centre during this year with such previous incidents being reported on February 13 and July 4 this year, he added.
He has further claimed that the rehab centre treats the inmates in a derogatory manner by chaining them to their bedposts and instead of giving them proper counseling and medical treatment as should be tendered by a genuine rehab centre, Betshaida treats the addicts without any concern for their recovery. He has also added that it is not the only rehab centre to work in such a manner and has further named Mahaim centre, Gileadbalm centre and Emmanuel centres and others working in similar styles.
He further added that there are nine rehab centres operating in Churachandpur district at present.
He further stated that the forum is preparing to intimate the concerned district and state authorities regarding the workings of the rehab centers so that corrective measures can be taken up in the state rehab centers. He also appealed to all civil organization and related authorities to look into the matter on humanitarian ground and prayed not to let such things happen again in the future.
