The Department of Health in Central Visayas (DOH-7) has expressed worries about the possible “surge” of drug dependents who will be seeking rehabilitation.
Dr. Dino Caing admitted that they only have two rehabilitation centers located in Argao town (for men) and in Mandaue City (for women).
The rehabilitation center in Argao can only accommodate 200 drug dependents, while the facility in Mandaue can cater to 25 women.
Caing said that although their centers are undergoing expansion, these cannot hold more than the prescribed capacity.
To address this, Caing said they may have to establish an outpatient service for first time clients or those who can still be treated outside.
Those who will be admitted, he said, are patients whose drug dependence are worse and those with violent behaviors.
Those who will be admitted will undergo screening process.
The rehabilitation procedure, however, is not covered by PhilHealth.
Caing said they are also seeking the assistance of the local government units and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to assist the families whose bread winners will undergo rehabilitation.
They are also training additional doctors and nurses and social workers to help facilitate the outpatient services at their Halfway House in Barangay Carreta, Cebu City.
Caing said their centers also cater to heavy smokers and alcoholic patients.
Caing said that during their recent meeting in Manila, they learned from the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) that the Central Visayas ranks third among regions with the most number of drug dependents.
This is why they have submitted a P20 million budget proposal for their intensive educational campaign against drugs.
Support groups from various sectors, such as religious, civic and the academe, will also be organized.
Aside from the two public rehabilitation centers in Cebu, there are also three more centers that offer drug rehabilitation services at P30,000 a month, which is higher than those offered in government-run facilities.
The cost covers medication as well as board and lodging.