The Department of Health (DoH)–Mimaropa (Oriental/Occidental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan) Special Medical Action Response Teams together with local health officials of the Calamian Group of Islands, have started its screening and assessment of drug surrenderees.
The Calamian Group includes the islands of Busuanga, Coron, Culion, Calauit, Malcapuya, Banana, Pass and Calumbuyan.
DoH Regional Director Eduardo C. Janairo said health workers in the islands are now trained to handle the screening and assessment of drug surrenderers in the area after training provided by the regional office. “They will also be supported by the DoH-Mimaropa S.M.A.R.T. teams,” he added.
According to the provincial health department, as of last October 19, 470 drug users and 35 drug pushers voluntarily surrendered to local authorities in Coron, the second biggest municipality in the Calamian islands and a tourist hot spot.
There are now 4,268 drug users and 343 drug pushers recorded in Palawan, it added.
Drug surrenderers in Mimaropa will undergo a wellness and recovery program involving community mobilization and brief intervention activities that will be initiated by local government units, Janairo added.
Counseling, medical check up and random drug testing among the drug surrenderers will also be conducted to avoid relapses.
Drug screening and assessment is required for a person arrested for a crime associated with drugs. A trained professional specializing in addiction and substance abuse carries out the evaluation.