Li Yanxiu said social workers will provide drugs in the community. Shi Chongliang: Harm reduction programs do not encourage drug abuse.

Minister of Health and Welfare Shi Chongliang emphasized that the harm reduction program does not encourage drug use, nor does it require social workers to distribute drugs. (Photo by reporter Luo Bi)

In response to Kuomintang legislator Li Yanxiu's statement that "social workers will provide drugs in the community in the future," which triggered a statement from social workers' groups, Minister of Health and Welfare Shi Chongliang emphasized today that the harm reduction program does not encourage drug use, let alone require social workers to distribute drugs, and called on not to allow unnecessary talk to distort the program and interfere with the work of frontline personnel.

Shi Chongliang attended the "Global Summit on Artificial Intelligence in Physical Therapy" today. In an interview before the meeting, he said: "The harm reduction program does not encourage the use of drugs, and we will not ask social workers to distribute drugs in this harm reduction program. This must be solemnly stated."

Please read on...

He said: "Don't let these unnecessary words distort our progress of this plan, or even interfere with the advancement of this plan."

Shi Chongliang explained that the harm reduction plan includes providing clean needles, maintenance treatment with methadone, infection screening, and assisting drug addicts to reintegrate into society, covering a variety of professionals. Social workers mainly play the roles of case management, family support, social resource linkage and assistance in social reintegration.

He emphasized that social workers will not be required to distribute methadone at this time. The harm reduction plan involves the collaboration of different professionals. Everyone should understand the content of the plan and the roles played by each professional.

Shi Chongliang said that the personnel involved in the harm reduction program are fully committed to helping drug addicts return to society and reduce the harm caused by drugs to physical and mental health and society. This task is not easy. We appeal to everyone not to excessively interfere with the work of frontline personnel to avoid the setback of effective harm reduction plans.

☆One less drug means more health, Liberty Times reminds you to stay away from drugs☆