KUWAIT CITY, Oct 26: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al- Yousef and Minister of Health Dr. Ahmad Al-Awadhi inaugurated the new tenth ward at the Addiction Treatment Center, which was established with the generous support of Kuwait Finance House (KFH) to increase capacity and develop treatment and rehabilitation services for patients. Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef revealed that drugs coming into Kuwait decreased by approximately 90 percent over the past year, stressing that the remaining percentage will be under control.

He revealed that the increase in drug prices from KD 1 to KD 7–KD 8 is clear evidence of the success of the drug combating efforts. Sheikh Fahad said, “We are waging a fierce war against drug dealers and promoters. When I took over the ministry, I discovered that the scale of the confrontation is beyond imagination. Thanks to the supreme directives of His Highness the Amir and the efforts of the Interior Ministry personnel, we managed to achieve unprecedented results. Addiction is not a crime, but a disease that requires care. Our duty is to treat those afflicted, not to prosecute them. What we are witnessing today at the addiction treatment center is a national achievement and a world-class standard that we are proud of, thanks to the cooperation between the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Health, and the generous support of Kuwait Finance House.” Sheikh Fahad revealed that the Ministry of Interior won first place in an award presented by the Anti-Drug Headquarters in Tunisia, in recognition of Kuwait’s efforts in combating drugs.

He emphasized that anti-drug personnel are waging a war against the unknown and against drug dens, “making sacrifices that only God can see”. Sheikh Fahad confirmed that all hospitals in Kuwait provide treatment to all residents without discrimination, adding that the successful programs adopted by the Supervised Home Treatment Center have shown very promising results. He indicated that the new anti-drug law will be announced this week or the next week, stressing that the new penalties will include the death penalty for drug traffickers. Sheikh Fahad revealed a government plan to reintegrate recovered addicts and help them return to their jobs. He emphasized that experience has proven that many patients successfully return to normal life, insisting that they should not be left alone to relapse into addiction.

Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef concluded by saying that the opening of the tenth wing at the Addiction Treatment Center represents a model of integration between the public and private sectors to serve the nation, adding that the ward provides a therapeutic environment comparable to the most advanced facilities in developed countries. For his part, Minister of Health Dr. Ahmad Al- Awadhi affirmed that health awareness is a fundamental pillar of the healthcare system. He praised the role of health media in spreading awareness and highlighting the ministry’s efforts. Dr. Al-Awadhi concluded by saying, “The presence of media professionals alongside healthcare practitioners enhances communication with the community and boosts drug prevention and treatment”.

By Marwa Al-Bahrawi Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff