Assam Minister Pijush Hazarika announces new SOP for drug rehabilitation centres

In a significant move to improve the treatment of drug addicts, Assam's Minister of Social Justice & Empowerment, Pijush Hazarika, has announced the implementation of a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for de-addiction and rehabilitation centres. 

During a meeting held in Guwahati on July 22, Minister Hazarika emphasized the importance of humane treatment for individuals struggling with addiction, asserting that drug addicts are integral members of society and should not face mistreatment.

Minister Hazarika outlined the details of the upcoming SOP, which is set to be enforced starting August 1. The new guidelines aim to ensure that rehabilitation centres operate with the highest standards of care and support. "We are giving these centres a three-month period to comply with the new SOP. Failure to adhere to these standards will result in the closure of non-compliant centres," Hazarika stated.

The meeting also included discussions with representatives from various rehabilitation centres and associations, where their suggestions and feedback were considered in shaping the final SOP.

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