On Thursday, the Office of the Prime Minister organized a working meeting on the topic of prevention and reduction of drug use, which brought together representatives of a number of non-governmental organizations engaged in reducing and mitigating the risks associated with drug use, as well as the main institutions with attributions in the region .

Minister of Health Alexandru Rafila also took part in the meeting. “We propose that in Romania there should be anti-addiction centers in every county for the recovery of drug users. There is a very vulnerable category – children and teenagers, for whom we must find a solution,” said the minister.

In this context, the Minister of Health proposed to develop an action plan to identify and apply the most effective measures. It was also emphasized that the priority of criminal policy should be large-scale human trafficking, and this policy should be accompanied by measures in the field of health protection.

NGO proposals

Representatives of public organizations proposed to create a mechanism for coordinating efforts in the fight against drug use at the level of the Prime Minister or the General Secretariat of the Government.

Other suggestions mentioned:

• the need to develop specialized medical services,
• consumer destigmatization campaigns,
• decriminalization of possession of drugs for personal consumption
• conducting preventive work in schools to combat drug use.

photo: Donna Cuic | Dreamstime.com