The role of alternative therapies in preventing HIV/AIDS and reducing the demand for drugs by addicts was underlined in the direction.
Methadone has been widely used to assist addicts since 2012 after the Government issued Decree No. 96/2012/ND-CP that stipulated the treatment of substance abuse by alternative medicines.
By last month, however, only 38 of 63 provinces and centrally-run cities had applied the therapy.
Their efforts benefited 21,613 addicts, who accounted for 12 per cent of recorded drug users and 27 per cent of the targeted 80,000 by the end of 2015.
In the new direction, the PM asked provincial and municipal People's Committees to update the number of drug users and set up adequate methadone treatment centres and told those already operating to accelerate therapy.
Local authorities were also told to further simplify administrative procedures to make it easier for drug users seeking alternative therapies, and coordinate with relevant agencies to provide advice and vocational training to them.
The Ministry of Health has been told to make sure there are sufficient provisions of methadone.
Methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) is carried out in more than 80 countries and territorie
By last month, however, only 38 of 63 provinces and centrally-run cities had applied the therapy.
Their efforts benefited 21,613 addicts, who accounted for 12 per cent of recorded drug users and 27 per cent of the targeted 80,000 by the end of 2015.
In the new direction, the PM asked provincial and municipal People's Committees to update the number of drug users and set up adequate methadone treatment centres and told those already operating to accelerate therapy.
Local authorities were also told to further simplify administrative procedures to make it easier for drug users seeking alternative therapies, and coordinate with relevant agencies to provide advice and vocational training to them.
The Ministry of Health has been told to make sure there are sufficient provisions of methadone.
Methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) is carried out in more than 80 countries and territorie
