Vocational training for ex-drug addicts gains results

The work has reduced the number of new addicts, prevented the spread of HIV pandemic and maintained social security, according to the assessment by the National Assembly’s Committee o­n Social Affairs.

Since the NA’s resolution o­n the issue took effect in August 2003, detoxification and rehabilitation centres have been built in Hanoi, northern coastal Quang Ninh province, Ho Chi Minh City and the southern provinces of Tay Ninh, Ba Ria-Vung Tau, Long An and Binh Duong.

By the end of March 2008, the number of former drug users under the local management in these localities totalled 32,200, including 30,700 in HCM City.

The centres have offered former addicts cultural lectures, job training and assistance to re-enter the workforce. These efforts have helped almost 13,780 HCM City former addicts reintegrate into the society.

However, the rehabilitation centres can o­nly accommodate o­ne-third of the total 170,000 drug users, said Chairwoman of the NA’s Committee o­n Social Affairs Truong Thi Mai, o­n the sidelines of the third session of the 12 th National Assembly o­n May 8.

In addition, the Ministry of Public Security forecasts that the number of new addicts to be 10,000 per year, she said.

Mai said her committee will propose the legislative body to permit these localities to renew the resolution, which will expire in early August. She will also call for policies that encourage the socialisation of former drug users, including offering preferential corporate income tax to businesses employing reformed users.

The committee also plans to propose the establishment of a special detoxification model for high-risk relapsed groups, to be directly organised by the Government.