In Jawzjan, 500 addicts received treatment last year

SHIBERGHAN (Pajhwok): Health officials on Tuesday said 500 drug addicts received treatment in northern Jawzjan province last year, showing a 20 percent increase compared to the past two years.

Dr. Abdul Ghafar Khoshiwal, director of the 500-bed hospital for addicts, told Pajhwok Afghan News in 2017 around 320 addicts had received treatment but their number increased to 385 in 2018.

He said under their healthcare service program 120 drug addicts received treatment at home.

Khoshiwal sought coordination and cooperation of other departments as he said it was difficult for a single organization to do the job alone.

Mullah Rahmat, a resident of Aqcha district, told Pajhwok he started using drugs due to immigration, unemployment and poverty.

Rahmat, who has been using drugs for the past three years, said he received treatment as he thought the addiction would harm his health.

pk/ma