KHUJAND, September 2, 2010, Asia-Plus  -- The Sughd narcology center in Khujand does not have enough beds to accept patients, according to the center administration.

The center houses only 40 beds for treatment and rehabilitation of full-time patients.  “Of those, the center’s technical staff have managed to repair 20 beds, while the remaining 20 beds are not fit for use,” the source said, noting that 12 patients are currently undergoing treatment in the center.

The other problem is shortage of medical personnel and medicines.  According to the source, young specialists do not want to work with the center due to low wage and specificity in patients under treatment.  In all, 29 people, including five physicians, three nurses and technical staff, now work with the regional narcology center in Khujand.

To-date, 1,200 drug-dependent people and 2,700 alcoholism suffers have been officially registered in Sughd province, the source added.