THE number of drug dependents at the of government-owned Treatment and Rehabilitation Center (TRC) is steadily increasing since the police launched its Oplan Tokhang for its anti-illegal drugs campaign.

Dr. Rosalina Caoile, medical specialist of TRC, told the KBP Forum that the increase in the admission was noted since the Duterte administration declare its war on drugs last July.

Presently, the sprawling center has 192 clients (it can accommodate as many as 500) from Pangasinan, Bulacan, Tarlac, Manila, Cordilera, Tuguegarao, Cagayan and Metro Manila, she added.

She said drug dependents undergo six months to one-year treatment program as specified under R.A. 9165. After they have been discharged from TRC, the reformed drug dependents return as out-patients for follow-up monitoring and after-care treatment.

The TRC has two types of admission, namely, voluntary and compulsory. Clients are evaluated by a social worker. The first to two weeks, TRC charges P8,000 then followed by P10,000 monthly each.

Caoile said many of their clients are financially able, some even come from private rehabilitation centers who used to pay P50,000 per month.

So far, more than 100 patients have already been discharged from the center after completing their therapy.  However, only a 77 percent success rate has been noted  since others do not return for their follow-up treatment, she added.

The TRC started operations for out-patient service on Dec. 3, 2011 and as residential facility in July 2012.

The TRC here was built through funds from the Department of Health, Priority Development Assistance Fund of then Pangasinan 4^th District Rep. Gina de Venecia and former Dangerous Drugs Board Chairman Antonio Villar, Jr.  (Tita Roces)

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