From 2013 until July 2016, the NHSO’s Methadone Maintenance Treatment (MMT) programme has treated as many as 9,573 addicts, NHSO deputy chief Dr Chuchai Sornchamni said.

Chuchai and Department of Medical Services deputy chief Dr Paskorn Chaivanichsiri led a team to Chiang Mai’s Mae Taeng Hospital yesterday to observe the progress of MMT.

Chuchai explained that the NHSO was covering MMT in a bid to reduce the dangers of shared needles as well as prevent the spread of HIV and Hepatitis B and C infections. Since 2008, NHSO has been providing MMT services to addicts who have voluntarily agreed to undergo rehabilitation at the Department of Medical Services’ Thanyarak Institute.

“Methadone is a Schedule II substance that requires special control as it can lead to addiction and fatality. Hence, service providers must have medical knowledge, and facilities authorised to dispense Methadone must be among hospitals registered under the Narcotics Act 2009,” he said.

These authorised facilities also have to meet other criteria, such as being a service unit that can offer preparation, withdrawal, rehabilitation and follow-up services and having doctors who have been trained or have at least a year’s experience in treating heroin addicts. The facilities also have to be willing to register their patients under the programme, regularly report the patients’ progress to the Department of Medical Services, report the use of Methadone to the Food and Drug Administration and keep all documentation ready for inspection.