To ensure individuals referred to treatment adhere to the treatment recommendations and follow-up care, the need to enhance coordination among the referring agencies and the service providers have been seriously felt. Therefore, The PEMA Secretariat organized a three-day national multi-stakeholder coordination meeting on referral and follow up of persons with SUD and those testing positive for NDPS abuse to treatment from 25-27 January 2024 in Phuntsholing.

The National Multi-stakeholder Consultation was held to foster collaboration among stakeholders involved in the referral and follow-up process for persons with SUD and those testing positive for NDPS abuse, and to establish a coordinated and efficient system for referring individuals with SUD to treatment services, ensuring seamless transition between different stages of care.

The participants include representatives from the Judiciary; Office of the Attorney General; Department of Education under Ministry of Education and Skills Development; Bhutan Food and Drug Authority; Bhutan Construction and Transport Authority; Narcotic Drugs and Other Vices Division (RBP, Thimphu) and Narcotic Drugs Law Enforcement Units (RBP) in Paro, Punakha, Phuntsholing, Gelephu, Samdrupjongkhar, and Wangduephodrang; Bhutan Institute of Wellbeing; Chithuen Phendhey Association; Happiness Centre; and from JDWNRH, CRRH, ERRH, Phuntsholing Hospital, Samtse Hospital, Wangduephodrang Hospital, Samdrupjongkhar Hospital, and Wangdicholing Hospital.