The PEMA Secretariat, in collaboration with the Prison Service Division, Royal Bhutan Police launched the Prison-based Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Treatment and Care Services at the Chamgang Central Prison in Chamgang, coinciding with the 68th Birth Anniversary of His Majesty The Fourth Druk Gyalpo.
The services, which is a Soelrey, from Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen to the inmates, aim to reduce recidivism among drug convicts with substance use disorders; and provide a holistic, accessible, and compassionate care to drug offenders affected by substance use disorders (SUD) and reintegrate them as productive and responsible citizens. Hon’ble Chief Justice and Chief Advisor of the Interim Government graced the Launch of the treatment and care services, and the launch was preceded by Lhabsang Thruesoel in the morning. Hon’ble Chief of Police, Secretaries, Directors, Senior Police officials and members of The PEMA Board attended the launch.
Drug-related arrests and prison admissions have steadily increased in recent years in the country. The needs and resource assessment for prison-based Substance Use Disorder (SUD) treatment and care programme carried out by The PEMA Secretariat at Chamgang Central Prison in July 2023 revealed a high lifetime prevalence of both licit and illicit substance use namely tobacco, alcohol, cannabis, sedatives, and prescription opioids among drug convicts. A significant proportion were at moderate to high risk for opioid and cannabis use disorders during the time of arrest. Alarmingly, 84.01% had never accessed professional services for their substance use disorders.
Meanwhile, The PEMA Secretariat in collaboration with the respective hospitals, also launched hospital-based SUD treatment and care services in Samdrup Jongkhar, Samtse and Wangduephodrang hospitals, today.
