Madam Speaker, I am informed that the protocols put in place for various programmes run by the Harm Reduction Unit with the ‘Protocoles de Prise en Charge de l'Usage de Drogues à Maurice’ which has been validated in March 2023. The protocol has been designed to ensure consistent and effective patient care. It defines the diagnostic procedure treatment guideline, patient management, safety measures and ethical considerations. These relate to drug users who consume illicit substances, including heroin, synthetic drugs, cannabis and cocaine. The medical treatment of heroin addiction typically involves a combination on Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT). It uses medication to alleviate withdrawal symptoms, reduce cravings and prevent relapse. The most common medications used include methadone, buprenorphine, naltrexone and naloxone. Synthetic drugs also known as New Psychoactive Substance (NPS) are a diverse and rapidly changing group of substances. This makes it difficult to develop specific medications to counteract their effects. The effects of synthetic drugs can be unpredictable and vary widely depending on the specific substance and the individual using it. There are generally no specific medications to reverse the effects of most synthetic drugs. Treatments focuses on managing the acute symptoms, settle agitation, psychosis and seizures. Cocaine is a highly addictive stimulant and there are currently no FDA approved medications specifically for cocaine addiction. While cannabis is often considered less addictive than other substances, chronic use can lead to cannabis use disorder. There are currently no FDA approved medications specifically for cannabis addiction. It is essential to

58 address that any co-occurring mental health disorders in addicts can significantly impact substance use. The protocol focuses on the phyco-social support and rehabilitation aspect for people who use drug. These constitute vital components of effective drug addiction. Drug addiction is not simply a physical dependence, it is a complex condition that affects an individual’s brain chemistry, emotional well-being, social relationship and overall life functioning. Therefore, treatment must address all these factors, not just the physical aspect of withdrawal. Madam Speaker, with regard to part (b) of the question, I am informed that the amount of funds spent over the past three years for Methadone Substitution Therapy Programme is around Rs165 m. From the end of 2021 to May 2022, the National Audit Office conducted a performance audit on enhancing the effectiveness of intervention related to drug demand and harm reduction. The NAO also carried out a performance audit at the levels of National Drug Secretariat, Ministry of Health and Wellness, and other stakeholders including non- governmental organisations involved in the fight against drug use. The Audit focused mainly on the following – • adequation and effectiveness of drug use prevention activities; • adequation effectiveness of drug use disorder treatment rehabilitation, and social integration activities, and • adequate coverage and effectiveness of harm reduction intervention. The recommendations of the NAO are being implemented by the Harm Reduction Unit. Madam Speaker, with regard to part (c) of the question, in June 2016, 4,591 drug addicts were on their Methadone Substitution Therapy Programme. In February 2025, the number increased to 8,851. It is accepted worldwide that the assessment of recovery from drug addiction is inherently complexed, moving to the multi-facilitated nature of addiction itself. In essence, the complexity of assessing drug addiction recovery system from multidimensional factors such as individual variability and the dynamic nature of the recovery process itself amongst others. This accounts as to why the exact number of drug addicts salvage cannot be assessed precisely.

59 Madam Speaker, it is to be noted that figures are available only for deaths due to overdose. In 2019, 43 deaths due to overdose were recorded. In 2020, there were 40 deaths. In 2021, 50 deaths. In 2022, 41 deaths. In 2023, 39 deaths and for 2024 to June, 17 deaths.

Thank you, hon. Minister. Yes!

Madam Speaker, from the information provided by the hon. Minister, I heard the number of overdoses recorded. How will he reconcile the number of overdoses recorded compared with the death certificates that are produced where this is never mentioned as overdose, it is mentioned as consequence of taking drugs?

Madam Speaker, as I have just mentioned it is very difficult also at times for the doctor to certify the death has occurred as to what reason and I would request the hon. Member to be patient, a Bill will be debated today and all the details…

Exactly!

… the consequences as well as the results will be found there.

It’s a good day for discussing drugs today. Thank you, hon. Minister! Next question, Mr Lobine, First Member for La Caverne and Phoenix! PBAT – HEADMASTER & DEPUTY HEADMASTER CASE – RETIRED OFFICERS – PENSION BENEFITS