The Technical working team of the Drug arm reduction project from the Federal Ministry of health made a visit to the Management of University of Port Harcourt hospital .
Leading the team is the project cordinator for south-south, Professor Princewill C.Stanley, Consultant Mental health/psychiatrist, who intimated management on the purpose of the visit, he stated that the team’s is “on assignment to establish the state of readiness for commencement of the Drug Replacement Therapy ” in the Drug Rehabilitation center in the Mental health and Psychiatrist Department.
Receiving the team on behalf of the Chief Medical Director, professor Henry A.A. Ugboma, was the Chairman MAC, Professor Datonye A. Alasia with other members of management.
Professor Alasia welcoming the team, said the project “is a worthy initiative ” as he expressed concern that substance abuse has become a very big problem. Moreso as Nigeria has transited from a transit place for drug to drug production which is a big concern especially for young people . The hospital being an institution in FMOH will give all the necessary support He implored the team to return with feedback to management after due tour of the Drug Rehabilitation center.
He assured of management support and asked that the team also initiate means to raise awareness against drug abuse and access to treatment. To reduce the rising burden of drug abuse in our society.
The team thereafter went and assessed, the clinic, ward, equivalent, and personnel in the Drug Rehabilitation center.
The Technical team had representative from the Federal and state ministry of health, NDLEA, civil rights group. As hinted, the Drug Replacement Therapy is expected to be launched by FMOH on the 27th June 2023.
UPTH is projected as a center for treatment and has the focal person, Dr. Kennedy Nkporbu, consultant Mental health.
Members of Management who were present to receive the team were, the CMAC, Dr Nkoyo DCMAC Services, Prof. T. Jaja, DCMAC Advancement and Special Duties, Mrs Gloria Ogan, Head of Nursing Services, Dr Mrs Obi Thomas, Head Laboratory services.
