Treatment of addiction to opiate substances with substitution drugs in Vietnam

Treatment of addiction to opiate substances with substitution drugs in Vietnam (Internet image)

Decree 108/2007/ND-CP stipulates that treatment of addiction to opiate substances with substitution drugs is provided at medical establishments which have adequate physical facilities, equipment and personnel and are designated by provincial or municipal-level Health Services through programs or projects approved by competent state agencies in Vietnam. Treatment of addition to opiate substances with substitution drugs is not permitted at medical treatment establishments set up under the Ordinance on Handling of Administrative Violations.

Treatment of addiction to opiate substances with substitution drugs is provided only to addicts of opiate substances who voluntarily and commit in writing to adhere to the treatment guidelines. For addicts aged under 16 years, their parents or lawful guardians shall express their consent and commit in writing to adhere to the treatment guidelines.

Substitution drugs must be granted registration numbers by the Ministry of Health for circulation. Addicts to opiate substances shall use substitution drugs under the supervision of health workers. During the process of treatment of addition to opiate substances with substitution drugs, addicts to opiate substances will not be confined to medical treatment establishments set up under the Ordinance on Handling of Administrative Violations, unless they illegally use narcotics.

Only medical doctors and assistant doctors who have completed training in treatment of addiction to opiate substances with substitute drugs according to regulations of the Minister of Health and are assigned by the medical establishments stated in Clause 1 of this Article can prescribe substitution drugs for addicts to opiate substances who are on the list for such treatment under the program or project approved by a competent state agency.

Substitution drugs used in the treatment of addition to opiate substances shall be managed in accordance with the law on management of habit-forming drugs and psychotropics.

More details can be found in Decree 108/2007/ND-CP which comes into force from August 7, 2007.

Ty Na

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