A new pilot project for the treatment of victims of drug abuse is set to start soon, Family Minister Michael Falzon said on Friday.
During a press conference at the Substance Misuse Outpatient’s Unit at St. Luke’s Hospital, the Minister said that this new method will take the form a pill as currently, patients who seek to push past their drug addiction take methadone in the vein.
It was revealed that currently there are around 750 patients who, on a daily basis, go to this facility to receive methadone, which is a replacement doctor-approved medication. Around 200 of these patients go before their work, at 7am.
Speaking about the project, Falzon said that the emotional element cannot be detached from the service given to these patients, as it takes a lot of courage for them to reach out.
Falzon added that for a society to be deemed as a strong one there needs to be a place for everyone, even those found to be in a minority.
“We should not judge,” he said.
Falzon said that one should keep in mind not to judge these patients who have ended up being dependent on drugs, but to instead help them as they have proven to be strong by seeking help.
He added that with this new kind of treatment patients will benefit as they will be able to take their treatment at home instead of having to be present at St. Luke’s Hospital on a daily basis.
Foundation for Social Welfare Services CEO Alfred Grixti said that the nation should work together to remove any negative stigma that might be associated with patients who are rehabilitating from drug use.
He added that the country should be grateful for the staff at the Substance Misuse Outpatient’s Unit at St Luke’s Hospital, especially to the nurses who cater for the patients every need from as early as 5:30am every day.