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Fujairah in need of anti-addiction centres

FUJAIRAH — Lack of rehabilitation centres for drug addicts in the Eastern Region and Fujairah is exposing the staff working in local hospitals, clinics and pharmacies to risks as addicts allegedly bully them into supplying drugs that are controlled and not meant for sale without the doctor’s prescription.

The rise in harassment by addicts has prompted pharmacists and hospital administrators to request the authorities concerned to set up facilities for the treatment of drug addiction.

Mohamed R.S., director of one of the pharmacies in Fujairah, alleged that he is frequently harassed by drug addicts who demand valium, xanax and morphine doses.

He pointed out that the Ministry of Health had, a few months ago, issued an order prohibiting over-the-counter (OTC) sale of such drugs, except to people who are undergoing treatment in hospitals and whose medical reports confirm the need of such medicines.

While acknowledging the problem, Fujairah Hospital Director Obaid Al Khaddem stressed the need to find an urgent solution in order to prevent addicts from harassing staff at hospitals and pharmacies and clinics.

The best solution would be to establish specialised anti-addiction centres, he added.

Al Khaddem admitted that Fujairah Hospital received many cases of drug addiction.

”We give them some primary medicine which is available in the hospital and refer them to specialised centres located in the other emirates.”

Dibba Hospital Director Khalfan Ali, too, stressed the need of specialised centres for the treatment of addiction in Fujairah.

He urged the parents and families to cooperate with the health authorities and not conceal information so that necessary treatment could be provided to drug addicts.

• UAE