A Methadone Maintenance Treatment (MMT) Clinic was inaugurated on Friday at the de-addiction centre within Jalandhar Civil Hospital, aiming to prevent drug overdose deaths in the region.
What is an MMT Clinic?
An MMT clinic, also known as an opioid treatment programme, is a medical facility where daily doses of methadone—a long-acting synthetic opioid—are administered to addicts. This treatment eliminates cravings, suppresses withdrawal symptoms, and blocks the euphoric effects of other drugs.
State Government Initiative
The clinic has been established as part of the Punjab state government’s anti-drug campaign to eliminate drug abuse from the state. The inauguration in Jalandhar followed a virtual inauguration of a similar facility at Ludhiana Civil Hospital by Health and Family Welfare Minister Balbir Singh.
Benefits of Methadone Treatment
Civil Surgeon Rajesh Garg explained, “Methadone medicine controls cravings for opioids (heroin or smack) without injecting the drug. Its oral intake will stop the use of needles among patients, which will prevent the spread of life-threatening diseases like AIDS and hepatitis B and C.”
Facilities and Confidentiality
Medical Superintendent Namita Ghai confirmed that the hospital has made proper arrangements for patient care, an uninterrupted supply of medicines, and counselling. “The staff at the clinic is fully trained. They will treat patients free of cost by keeping their identity confidential,” she said, appealing to the public to consider drug addicts as patients rather than criminals and to bring them to the clinic for treatment.
International Drug De-Addiction Day
On the occasion, the Civil Surgeon and Medical Superintendent inspected a special poster exhibition put up by nursing students to mark International Drug De-Addiction Day.
