NEAN inks MoU with DHD

Dimapur, March 19 (EMN): Taking note of the difficulties faced by clients for the treatment of alcohol-related health issues in the state, the North East Artist Network (NEAN) drop in-centre for alcoholics and District Hospital Dimapur (DHD), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on March 18 to provide subsidised clinical test for alcoholics.

Apart from other substance abuse issues, alcoholism in Nagaland remains to be a huge public health concerns because of the illegal inflow and consumption of spurious and highly adulterated liquor, though NLTP Act is enforced for the past 30 years in the state, an update received from the NEAN said.

The DHD and NEAN were optimistic that the initiative would go a long way in meeting the needs of the alcoholic community, considering the level of treatment facilities required.

As per the MoU, clinical test such as kidney function test and liver function test would be provided at the subsidised rate of INR 150 per test at the DHD, which is 50% less than the actual cost at DHD and the subsidised rate which is provided through NEAN DIC is much reasonable comparatively.

To avail the service, beneficiaries can contact NEAN drop in-centre for clients referral card. The drop in-centre would also initiate to provide free Hepatitis C virus medicines for needy people, it informed.

The MoU is a form of responsibilities and agreement of each party with respect to the initiative, the press release said.

The NEAN drop-in centre provides safe and supportive care for individuals and families who are affected by substance abuse in the community. Their programs and services aim at helping the people by providing awareness, health service and encourage the individual to overcome from substance abuse.