DOH official tells House P3-B budget for drug rehab centers not enough

The Department of Health (DOH) said yesterday the P3-billion fund allocation in the 2017 budget for drug abuse treatment and creation of drug rehabilitation centers is not enough. At yesterday’s House Committee on Dangerous Drugs hearing on measures seeking the creation of rehabilitation centers, Health Assistant Secretary for Special Concerns Dr. Elmer Punzalan said the allocation for drug treatment and rehabilitation should be augmented. Asked by Antipolo Rep. Romeo Acop if the budget allocated for the purpose in the 2017 budget is enough, Punzalan answered:   “To be honest, hindi po (it is not enough), because the number of surrenderees is increasing as the days go on,” He noted that the government is already asking private sector assistance to augment the budget for rehabilitation of the surrenderees.  As of Sept. 20, the Philippine National Police (PNP) records showed 715,699 drug users and pushers nationwide had surrendered. He said San Miguel Corp. [...]