Abdeen: More than 50,000 narcotics addicts in the West Bank

The Palestinian Minister of Health, Mr. Hani Abdeen, said that the number of drug addicts in the West Bank and occupied Jerusalem has reached more than 50,000 persons. He added that these figures necessitate our intensification of efforts in order to increase the awareness of the public regarding narcotics and their hazards. He accentuated that the Ministry of Health is full ready to cooperate with all partners including the relevant ministries, institutions and societies in order to work together in combating narcotics and mind-affecters. On the other hand, the Assistant Undersecretary in the Palestinian Health Ministry for health affairs, Mr. As'ad Ramlawi, told (Together Agency) that a joint national high commission was formed in compliance with a presidential decree which comprises representatives from various governmental ministries, the Palestinian Bar Association, and NGOs which began its meetings in order to intensify efforts in combating narcotics in Palestine and to implement an intensive awareness campaign through the mass media, pointing out that help from religious scholars shall be sought in order to orient citizens via religious ways . Ramlawi pointed out that a twining agreement was signed between the Palestinian Ministry of Health and the Gulf Narcotics Center under which the Center will train Palestinian crews on treatment of drug addicts. He mentioned that the law on combating narcotics in Palestine was ratified by the cabinet and awaits a presidential decree for its issuance.