The mass testing was conducted by the Department of Social Welfare in association with FINGODAP- Manipur Chapter and Drug Users’ Federation for Human Rights & Justice.
TFM Desk
Department of Social Welfare, Government of Manipur conducted mass testing of COVID-19 for “street based drug users” with an aim to contain or prevent the possible spread of COVID-19 among the drug users in particular and masses in general.
The department in association with FINGODAP- Manipur Chapter and Drug Users’ Federation for Human Rights & Justice conducted a mass testing of COVID-19 for street based drug users on Monday at the premises of the Directorate of Social Welfare, Government of Manipur, Near 2nd MR Gate, Imphal for a target of 50 number of drug users. However, 29 men and four women turn up for the camp, according to a release by director (Social Welfare) Ngangon Uttam Singh.
As per the RT-PCR report received in the afternoon, 32 of the drug users tested negative whereas only one drug user tested positive. Accordingly, the 28 male drug users who tested negative have been taken to Divine Light Center, Canchipur while four female drug users have been taken to Sneha Bhavan, Airport Road for treatment. The lone drug user who tested positive was transferred to a special unit of COVID Care Centre for treatment of COVID-19. Once he becomes COVID negative, he will be transferred to a special de addiction and treatment Centre at Canchipur, the release added.
The release further stated that the people affected by Substance Use Disorders are amongst one of the most vulnerable sections of the society to both the COVID-19 infection as well as the adverse impact of stringent measures taken up to control the pandemic such as curfew/lockdown.
Stating that those suffering from alcohol or drug use disorders are likely to experience intense craving, as well as withdrawal symptoms with potential serious and life threatening consequences, Uttam said that they are also likely to be a potential source of spreading the virus, if they are not taken care of in time.
The release further maintained that it was a well-known fact that there are many street based drug users who are disowned by their family. Taking serious note of the exponential increase in the number of COVID infections in the state, it was felt that there was an urgent need to take measures for containing or preventing the possible spread of COVID-19 among the drug users in particular and masses in general, it added.