ABU DHABI // UAE rehabilitation centres are uniting to improve services after anti-narcotics regulations introduced last year emphasised treatment for addicts rather than prison sentences.
The National Rehabilitation Centre in Abu Dhabi signed an agreement with Dubai’s Erada Rehabilitation and Treatment Centre to carry out prevention and treatment plans.
The centres will also train more Emiratis to work as therapists and in rehabilitation for addicts, carry out research on better treatment methods and set a national strategy for treating and preventing addiction.
The move follows instructions to unify nationwide efforts to fight addiction, said Hamad Al Ghaferi, director of the National Rehabilitation Centre.
The anti-narcotics law stipulated that more rehabilitation and treatment centres should be opened in the UAE.
After the law came into effect, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, issued a decree to open the Erada centre, sponsored by his son Sheikh Hamdan, Crown Prince of Dubai.
The move was aimed at encouraging more people to voluntarily seek treatment.
Dr Al Ghaferi said he was happy that the centre had been opened and considered it a valuable addition to UAE efforts to fight addiction.
hdajani@thenational.ae
