𝐂𝐀𝐏𝐈𝐓𝐎𝐋 𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐈𝐍𝐒 𝐃𝐎𝐂𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐒 𝐓𝐎 𝐒𝐂𝐑𝐄𝐄𝐍, 𝐀𝐒𝐒𝐄𝐒𝐒 𝐃𝐑𝐔𝐆 𝐃𝐄𝐏𝐄𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐒
Doctors received frontline training to spot substance abuse early and treat it as a health issue, not just a law enforcement matter.
The Cebu Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Office (CPADAD) held a six-day training for doctors, including municipal health officers, hospital chiefs and partners on a specialized screening method aimed at identifying drug cases early and mapping out recovery programs.
Held from March 15 to 20 at a hotel in Cebu City, the program focused on Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT), an evidence-based approach to equip medical professionals with the skills to detect substance use, intervene appropriately and ensure proper referral to care.
“Drug dependency is not just a law enforcement issue—it is a public health issue that affects individuals, families, and entire communities,” said Capitol Piso Health Consultant Dr. Nikki Catalan, who delivered an inspirational message to participants.
“The earlier we act, the more lives we can save,” she added.
Dr. Catalan underscored the need for a fundamental shift in approach. “The shift must be clear: from enforcement to healing, from stigma to support, from despair to recovery,” she said.
The SBIRT is part of a wider strategy under the administration of Gov. Pamela Baricuatro, now in her ninth month in office, to address drug dependency through public health interventions. The provincial government is pushing for the implementation of SBIRT across local government units.
Aside from SBIRT, other institutional reforms have included the strict enforcement of a drug-free workplace policy and the upcoming opening of the New Life Cebu Drug Rehabilitation Center.
Dr. Catalan acknowledged the partners behind the training, expressing her gratitude to the Department of Health, CPADAD, facilitators and partner rehabilitation centers.
“To our doctors: you are on the frontlines of this fight,” she said.
/photos ASC
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