Paktia residents want drug rehab centre reactivated

GARDEZ (Pajhwok): The drug rehabilitation hospital has been closed for the last one year in southeastern Paktia province, whose some residents want the government to reactivate it.

They acknowledge the facility had provided standard health services to residents for the last 15 years. However, they regret, the hospital has been shut for a year now.

Rozi Khan, whose son was rehabilitated at the centre, told Pajhwok Afghan News: “This hospital provided good services in the past and treated hundreds of addicts. But now we have learnt that it has suspended operations.”

He confirmed his son, who was treated at the hospital three years ago, was currently performing his activities like a healthy person.

Nasir Zaland, a civil rights activist urged the interim government to reactivate the 20-bed hospital on priority.

He also acknowledged (WADAN) Hospital had provided proper rehabilitation services to the people of Paktia.

Meanwhile, provincial officials assured the people of reopening the favility.

Economy Director Mohammad Anwar Rashid said:” Last year, an NGO was entrusted with completing work on the hospital. The NGO provided services for a short time.”

According to Rashid, he has talked about the reactivation of the hospital to some NGOs, which have promised help.

Reactivating the hospital, an important facility for the treatment of drug addicts, was one of their priorities, the official commented.

Government officials recently announced rounding up and hospitalising thousands of drug addicts in different provinces.

ja/mud