Government sponsors treatment for 193 drug users 

In a significant step towards addressing drug addiction as a public health issue, the Department of Social Welfare, Government of Manipur, in collaboration with the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Users for Social Transformation (U-TRUST), has initiated a program to sponsor the treatment of 193 drug users at 55 registered rehabilitation centers across the state.
Speaking to media persons at the Manipur Press Club, Sagolsem Herojit, President of U-TRUST, said that three users in need of treatment will be accommodated at each registered rehab center under the initiative. The Department of Social Welfare will provide a financial support of Rs. 9,000 per user, while the partner rehab centers will contribute Rs. 3,000 towards the treatment cost.
Herojit urged the public to view drug users not as criminals but as patients, stressing that addiction is a health condition that requires compassion and medical care rather than punishment. He appealed to the authorities to promote a humane, health-centered approach to rehabilitation.
He also raised concerns over reports of unethical practices by certain unregistered or non-professional rehabilitation centers, which allegedly detain users forcibly and seek consent against the will of patients or their families. He called for such practices to stop and for all centers to adhere to ethical standards.
Expressing disappointment over the mistreatment of families by some police officers, Herojit recounted an incident where a complainant seeking help to rescue a family member allegedly detained in a rehab center was slapped by an officer. He warned that such intimidation discourages families from seeking assistance and urged authorities to ensure accountability within law enforcement.