Dimapur, July 9 (EMN): A two-day training programme in oral substitution therapy (OST) for centre doctors of targeted intervention, and facility and satellite OST centres was conducted by the Nagaland State AIDS Control Society (NSACS).
The training programme was conducted from July 9 to the 10th, updates from the organisers stated in a press release that was issued on Tuesday to the media.
‘The objective of the training was to train the doctors of OST centre on dose management; strengthen systems of satellite OST; index testing; ART and VL services including OST program management,’ the updates explained.
Officials of the TI division of the NSACS talked at the event. They ‘thanked all the participants who were able to come from different part of the district despite the different challenges of travelling during monsoon.’ The officials wished all the participants a wonderful learning experience in the coming two days, the updates stated. The officials also thanked a group called the Project Sunrise – FHI360 for giving financial support to the training costs, the press release stated.
Further, project officers of the NSACS also addressed the participants. They thanked “all who have responded positively and attended the training despite the challenges in travelling from the district.” The trainees were told that ‘medical doctors’ are expected to perform their duty with a human touch no matter who the clients and patient may be, the updates stated.
One important thing that ‘differentiates us from others’ is that we work and deal with human life and emotions.” the organisers stated to the physicians. The trainees, physicians, who work in ‘limited resources settings’ were urged to be sincere in their work ‘for better results.’
There are 31 OST centre in the state supported by the NSACS. OST centres supply illicit drug users with replacement drugs, supervised under clinical settings.
“As a result, besides treating users, it also protects illicit drug users from HIV and Hepatitis as well as save time and resources,” the organisers stated.
The training covered various topics such as overview of drugs and drug use disorders; harm reduction; opioid substitution therapy; assessment and diagnosis; Index testing; viral load; Strengthening Satellite OST centre, the press release stated.
