The Hynñiewtrep Youth Council (HYC) has urged the Health Department to relocate the Oral Substitution Therapy (OST) Centre from the premises of Civil Hospital, Shillong.
In a letter to the Director of Health Service (MI), the pressure group stated numerous complaints have reached them concerning the disruptive behaviour of individuals frequenting the OST Centre. “These individuals have been involved in incidents of theft, both within and outside the hospital buildings, creating a hostile and unsafe environment for all,” it sated.
According to the HYC it had acted on these complaints and today apprehended individuals in possession of suspected stolen items, including unused drug containers and mobile phones. “These individuals have admitted to being drug addicts and frequent visitors to the OST Centre,” the HYC stated.
Stating that the current location of the centre is exacerbating the problems, the groups said, “The behaviour of these individuals is causing significant distress to patients, their attendants, and hospital staff.”
The HYC requested the department to immediately relocate the centre to a more suitable location, preferably outside of a public building to safeguard the well-being and security of all those who utilise the hospital’s services.
“Should no action be taken, we will be compelled to take further measures to address this pressing issue,” the HYC threatened.
