The drug rehabilitation center in Dawei District, Mon State, run by the New Mon State Party (NMSP) is facing food shortages due to families cutting contact with patients at the center and a lack of donors, according to reports.
The center currently cares for around 100 drug addicts, including those arrested by the New Mon State Party and those brought in by their families for rehabilitation.
A source close to the Dawei District drug rehabilitation center said: “Family members drop off addicts and then cut off all contact. Even those who maintain contact can’t pay the monthly food expenses, which makes the situation more difficult.”
” Income is low, expenses are high, and with prices rising, some people drop off [patients] and then abandon them. We can’t reach them either. This makes the situation worse. Some patients have health issues, so medical costs add to our difficulties,” the source added.
The situation has worsened with the arrival of summer, as vegetable gardens around the facility no longer provide sufficient food. In addition, since the Kyon Laung battle that began in January, the military junta has restricted food supplies, further complicating matters.
Despite facing difficulties with food and medicine, the center continues to accept new patients seeking rehabilitation and provides recovery programs.
“We still accept those who come. We explain the concepts, principles, and rules they need to follow, and we continue to accept them as usual,” the source said.
The source urged Mon people, the drug control and treatment committee, and the New Mon State Party central committee to work together to find solutions to these challenges.
The rehabilitation center in Dawei District serves not only Mon people but also Bamar and Dawei ethnic groups, with patients ranging from 13 to 65 years of age. Drug addicts typically remain at the center for treatment for 6 months to a year.
According to anti-drug activists, drug use has increased in Mon State since the military coup, as narcotics have become readily available at low prices, similar to everyday consumer goods.
Sent by IMNA