The PEMA Secretariat conducted an orientation workshop on the Hospital-based SUD Treatment and Care package in Paro from October 12-17, 2023. The participants for the orientation workshop included the Chief Medical Officers, Nurses, Clinical Counsellor, Drungtsho, Menpa, Peer Counsellors, and Recovery Coach from Bumthang, Paro, Samdrupjongkhar, Samtse, and Wangduephodrang hospitals. Volunteers from Jurwa was also involved to strengthen peer-based recovery support services for people suffering from SUD. As a part of the orientation workshop, the participants paid visits to the Paro Hospital and the Jurwa Centre.

The consultation workshop and the orientation workshop was organized in preparation towards scaling up the Hospital-based SUD Treatment and Care Services in the five hospitals on November 11, 2023, coinciding with the Birth Anniversary of His Majesty The Fourth Druk Gyalpo.

The Hospital-based SUD Treatment and Care Services, launched by Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen on October 10, 2022 aspires to offer an increased access to evidence-based treatment and provide an effective referral pathway for persons with SUD through a continuum of care approach.