Vongai Masuka

Cabinet has revealed that it will turn idle Covid 19 isolation centres into drug rehabilitation facilities in a development meant to ensure the safety of the citizen’s healthcare against drug abuse.

In a post cabinet briefing, The Minister of Defence who is also the chairperson of Defense and National Committee, Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri said Cabinet has approved measures to tackle drug and substance abuse which include transforming Covid 19 isolation facilities into drug rehabilitation centres.

“The Cabinet has approved that all Provincial Covid 19 isolation facilities shall be turned into multi sectoral drug rehabilitation centers.

“Under the Supply Reduction Pillar, raids and operations against drug suppliers, dealers and peddlers are to be conducted, and a total of 5 367 offenders have been arrested during the period 7th July to 23rd September, 2023.” She said.

Minister Kashiri added that Cabinet will govern and coordinate all national activities against drugs.

“Cabinet has agreed to govern and coordinate all national activities. We’re looking forward to the establishment of a Drug Elimination Agency to govern and coordinate all national activities on drug and substance abuse,” she added.

The National Committee is also developing standard information dissemination tools that will be used by the sub-national structures, traditional leadership and religious organizations in conscientizing families and communities.

Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri also said Cabinet is set to appoint Dr Mahomva as National Coordinator for Inter-Ministerial taskforce on drugs and substance abuse.

“Cabinet agreed on the following measures to strengthen the Anti-Drug and Substance Abuse Programme: That Dr. Agnes Mahomva will be appointed as the National Coordinator of Inter-Ministerial Taskforce on Drugs and Substance Abuse; To urgently resume capacitation of sub-national structures including traditional leaders and religious group leadership on drug and substance abuse,” she said.

A few days ago, the Medicines control authority of Zimbabwe terminated permits of drug abuse promoters in a quest to achieve its mandate to safeguard the health of citizens.