Workshop to update guidelines for treating opioid addiction with Methadone replacement therapy

On the morning of October 17, the Department of Health of Lao Cai province attended an online workshop to update the Guidelines for treating opioid addiction with Methadone replacement drugs at 03 connecting points: Yen Bai ward, Cam Duong ward and Lao Cai General Hospital No. 3. The program was organized by the Department of Disease Prevention.

Attending the workshop were leaders and professional staff of the Department of Health , the Center for Disease Control, the regional health centers of Luc Yen, Van Yen, Mu Cang Chai, Van Chan, General Hospital No. 3, No. 4, the regional general hospitals of Bat Xat, Bao Thang, Van Ban, Bao Yen and centers for treatment of opioid addiction with Methadone in the province.

Ms. Pham Bich Van, Deputy Director of the Department of Health chaired the workshop at the Cam Duong ward bridge point.

At the workshop, delegates learned about the Strategy for treating opioid addiction in the world and in Vietnam, including: Treatment solutions for opioid addicts in the world; Documents related to the field of drug addiction treatment; New points in approaching, intervening and treating drug addiction and content on instructions for dispensing Methadone for many days.

Delegates attending at Yen Bai ward bridge and General Hospital No. 3.

Lao Cai province currently has 13 treatment facilities and 08 drug dispensing facilities. As of September 30, 2025, there were a total of 7,620 patients participating in treatment, of which 2,031 patients were undergoing maintenance treatment (reaching 84.3%) and 154 patients had completed the treatment program. The implementation of multi-day Methadone drug dispensing activities was carried out by the province from May 2022 at 06 treatment facilities and 07 drug dispensing facilities. By the end of September 2025, there were 595 patients receiving multi-day drugs, accounting for 60% of the total number of patients undergoing maintenance treatment (reaching 77.3% of the assigned target). Of which, the majority of patients were given drugs to take home every 10 days (563 patients). With the highest number of doses taken home being 240ml. This significantly reduces travel time and costs, while enabling patients to maintain employment, care for their families and integrate into society.

Delegates from provinces and cities discussed the Methadone distribution program for many days; Thereby, they shared the difficulties and obstacles in the implementation process to make the Methadone Substitute Drug Treatment Program for Opioid Addiction highly effective, aiming to improve the quality of life for patients, reduce the harm caused by drug addiction to individuals, families and communities.

 

Hong Tam - Bich Thuy

Source: https://syt.laocai.gov.vn/tin-tuc-su-kien/hoi-thao-cap-nhat-huong-dan-dieu-tri-nghien-cac-chat-dang-thuoc-phien-bang-thuoc-thay-the-methad-1546918