SHILLONG, SEP 24: Health Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh on Tuesday informed that the government has no plans to shift the Opioid Substitution Therapy (OST) Centre from Shillong Civil Hospital, despite recent calls for its removal.
Addressing reporters, Lyngdoh said, “I have had a long discussion that day, it was brought to my attention and there was this demand to remove that OST from there, but unfortunately the law does not allow us to go that direction.”
She emphasized the need to address systemic gaps rather than displacing those in need of help. “It’s not right to push away people who need assistance,” Lyngdoh added.
Expressing her appreciation for the Drug Users Association’s involvement, Lyngdoh noted, “I am very happy that the drug users association also came forward. They are also now handling it, volunteers are being provided. Don’t just chase people away and put them into boxes further away from reach of assistance, that’s not the way to function and there are laws there are covering all of these actions.”
Requesting the HYC to handle the issue in a proper manner, Lyngdoh said, “…there are laws that are guiding us. We cannot operate outside of the purview of law, so they are in agreement, I have requested them to come forward to help us. Help the government, if you see that there are these anti-social elements, instead of wanting to chase them away, let’s find a way to help them that is the only way we have to handle because no other way will be permitted by law.”
Lyngdoh appealed for patience, assuring that the government is working on improving the OST Centre’s conditions.
“We need to house the Centre better, offer proper counseling, and provide necessary facilities. Our goal is to reintegrate those who have strayed from the mainstream, without judging or targeting anyone,” she said.
She concluded by assuring, “Please believe that this government is concerned and we are going to be working out ways and means to sort this whole problem out.”