The Department of Health has deployed Special Medical Action Response Teams (S.M.A.R.T.) to Mimaropa (Oriental and Occidental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan) to provide support in the ongoing assessment of drug surrenderers.
Regional Director Eduardo Janairo said the teams will be collaborating with the Philippine National Police, health workers and local government officials to help in the screening process of former drug users.
“During the screening/assessment process, a drug surrenderee will undergo a brief initial drug screening and when indicated that drug use is the main concern for intervention, a more detailed drug use assessment will be prepared and applied,” Janario said.
PNP records showed that as of November 13, a total of 19,570 drug pushers and drug users have surrendered to local authorities in Mimaropa.
Of the surrenderers, 154 have been screened in Palawan; 121 in Marinduque; 79 in Oriental Mindoro; and 11 in Occidental Mindoro.
The response team is composed of 35 members, including medical doctors, nurses, psychologists and IT (information technology) staff who will provide support in the screening process.