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Prisoners, drugs, HIV

12 September 2008

A two-day national workshop on prevention of drugs and HIV in prisons on September 9 and 10 highlighted problem and prevention of drugs and HIV in a prison setting. Conducted by the Bhutan Narcotic Control Agency and the United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Regional Office of South Asia (ROSA), the workshop emphasised that although drug abuse and HIV infection in prisons in Bhutan are relatively low, it was important p1to address the issue before it assumed fatal consequences. The youth phase was emphasised as a crucial phase for prevention of drug addiction and HIV infection.

To feel the pulse of substance abusers and HIV infected people, the participants role played situations whereby an understanding developed that the approach taken should be empathetic and not sympathetic. Project Coordinator, UNODC, Jayadev Sarangi said, “Like any other prison in the world, prisons in Bhutan are overcrowded. Hence the risk of spreading HIV and drugs is more. Bhutan is at a stage where the introduction of this programme is needed to reduce such vulnerabilities.”

The 25 participants were from the RBP and various agencies like the Narcotics Department and hospitals. The workshop emphasised prisoner rights such as equal treatment when availing medical facilities. Bhutan has a low population of substance abusing or HIV infected inmates. As they seek advice and medications, there has been no major symptom of withdrawal so far among the few drug abusers.

Prolonged confinement can make an inmate mentally sick. Therefore, apart from medical treatment, some of the participants suggested religious talks and educational classes on HIV on a weekly basis. This was encouraged not only to enrich them, but also to help them grow and heal internally.

“I found the recommendations appealing, and if it helps the prisoners, we will implement it. We will have a drug research centre, religious talks and yoga after the coronation,” said the Chief of Police.

“Bhutan is a country with a minimum prevalence of substance abuse in the region despite having two big producers of drugs in the world as neighbouring countries. It was amazing to know the knowledge and awareness of the Bhutanese people. It is quite promising,” said Jayadev Sarangi.

Many of the substance abusers start the habit under peer pressure or because offamily problems. It was revealed by peer counsellors that the majority of alcoholics are females while males are both alcoholics and drug abusers.

Dechen Wangmo, a peer counsellor from Abstinence Support Group, Chithuen Phendhey, said, “We want to help such kinds of people but it becomes very difficult when they deny the fact that they abuse drugs.”

This is the first workshop held for the prisoners and their welfare. While it was admitted that such workshops could not stop substance abuse and the spread of HIV altogether, it was expected to help curb their growth by creating awareness among the affected and vulnerable people.

By Eshori Gurung

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