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Focus on retaining, increasing drug addiction specialists, expert tells govt | Scoop
Addiction and mental health treatment expert Prem Kumar Shanmugam on the sidelines of the Evolving Treatment Methodologies in Addiction Conference. – Riduan Ahmad/Scoop pic, March 24, 2024
News

Focus on retaining, increasing drug addiction specialists, expert tells govt

High relapse rate indicates inadequate treatment for substance abusers, says Prem Kumar Shanmugam

Main Author Image
Qistina Nadia Dzulqarnain
Updated
5:00 PM MYT

 

KUALA LUMPUR – A healthcare practitioner has sounded the alarm regarding the shortage of local addiction specialists, warning that the inadequacy of qualified personnel capable of managing such conditions could lead to failures in the implementation of rehabilitation-based drug policies. 

Speaking to Scoop, addiction and mental health treatment expert Prem Kumar Shanmugam pointed to the high rate of relapses among prisoners serving time for drug-related offences as an indication of inadequate addiction treatment. 

“We’re constantly punishing the crime, which is understandable, but we’re not treating the disease (addiction). Sadly, there’s not enough addiction expertise in the country, (as) we have maybe 250 psychiatrists nationwide, which is nowhere near enough,” Prem said. 

“Our own professionals tend to not stay in the (local) sector for too long. I don’t blame them for wanting to earn more money and recognition, which is offered by other nations that recognise (the vitality of their expertise).” 

The certified psychologist and psychotherapist was speaking on the sidelines of the Evolving Treatment Methodologies in Addiction Conference, which was held earlier this week. The event was organised by Solace Asia, a private rehabilitation centre dedicated to holistically treating addiction. 

Prem, who is also the founder and chief executive officer of Solace Asia, posited that the government should evaluate its management of rehabilitation centres under the National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK).

The agency, which is currently under the purview of the Home Ministry, is tasked with combating drug and substance abuse in the nation through preventive drug education, enforcement and security initiatives, as well as medical and rehabilitation programmes. 

Prem has suggested that the government evaluate its management of rehabilitation centres under the National Anti-Drugs Agency. – Riduan Ahmad/Scoop pic, March 24, 2024

Referencing previous reports of patients in drug rehabilitation centres claiming to experience abuse at the hands of those meant to ensure their wellbeing, the counselling psychologist said that a deficiency in trained professionals could be a contributing factor to such incidents. 

“The government channels about RM300 million to AADK rehabilitation centres every year for its treatment expenses. Solace Asia believes that these funds should instead be directed to the Health Ministry to run the agency,” Prem said. 

“AADK has no doctors, counsellors or psychologists. They have officers who are sent for training (for addiction treatment), but they don’t have medical or psychological expertise, (so) it’s unfair (to task them with rehabilitation care).” 

Claiming that a substantial amount of the mentioned funds is diverted to training purposes, Prem asserted that the lack of certified healthcare professionals was a global problem that remained ever present due to the introduction of new drugs into the market. 

He also suggested that the government consider partnering with the private sector to “outsource” specialists, noting that Solace Asia itself had managed to secure contracts with foreign nations for rehabilitation programmes. 

“Solace has partnered with other countries that invited us to tender our proposal for projects (after) they recognised our area of expertise, and we’ll be working with two countries to operate their rehabilitation centres,” Prem said. 

“Malaysia should consider (such arrangements with the private sector) as well. It’s an exchange of technology, and (foreign) professionals will be able to impart their knowledge to our local manpower. 

“It’s a way of increasing and maintaining our own professionals, especially since addiction is a very specific and specialised niche in the mental healthcare sector.” – March 24, 2024

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