Govt urged to provide fixed grants to NGOs to tackle drug addiction

KUALA LUMPUR: The government has been urged to provide fixed grants to non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and associations involved in tackling drug addiction in the country.

Deputy Health Minister Datuk Dr Noor Azmi Ghazali said that currently the assistance given was based on the situation.

"I think the government should provide fixed and affordable grants for NGOs who want to help. A drug addict is a disease not a criminal.

"So it means the Ministry of Health (MOH) has to be concerned because it involves mental treatment as well. I think the government should provide more funds," he told the media at the breaking of fast event with Persatuan Pengasih Malaysia (Pengasih) today.

Dr Noor Azmi, in his speech, also said that the MOH was trying to obtain funds amounting to RM70,000 for mental health treatment due to drug abuse.

Meanwhile, Pengasih president Ramli Abdul Samad said that since 70 per cent of drug addicts suffered from health and mental disorders, he hoped that the MOH could channel financial aid to enable the association to provide follow-up treatment and rehabilitation services for patients in Pengasih.

"Most patients come here with mental complications. The National Anti-Drug Agency does not accept those with mental problems. So, Pengasih is willing to work with the MOH on this issue.

"We are also hoping for help in terms of budget for us to provide the service. We hope the government will seriously look into this," he said, adding that Pengasih Kuala Lumpur now has 60 patients.

-- BERNAMA