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Narcotics and Drug Administration

The Department of Health operates an out-patient methadone maintenance as well as detoxification scheme for drug abusers. There are 20 methadone clinics in Hong Kong operating daily including Sundays and public holidays. The total number of patients registered with the scheme was 9 264 as at 31 December 2004 and the average daily attendance in 2004 was 6 791. Counselling services at methadone clinics are provided by social workers of the Society for the Aid and Rehabilitation of Drug Abusers. Methadone clinics are also the contact point for referring patients to other treatment and rehabilitation agencies when necessary.
As drug addiction constitutes a high risk group for AIDS and other blood borne diseases, health education and counselling for patients is always a priority. Concomitant activities include broadcasting of health educational video and cassette programmes in methadone clinics, free distribution of condoms, provision of blood testing and urine testing for HIV and blood testing for hepatitis B and hepatitis C infections for patients of Methadone Treatment Programme.
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