ENG-2004 — Page 441

Public Order | 379

methadone out-patient treatment programme provided by the Department of Health, and voluntary residential programmes run by non-governmental organisations including Christian therapeutic drug treatment agencies. Medical and psychiatric treatment for psychotropic substance abusers is provided by six substance abuse clinics under the Hospital Authority. In addition, five Counselling Centres for Psychotropic Substance Abusers operated by non-government organisations are subvented by the Social Welfare Department to provide community-based treatment services to psychotropic substances abusers and support services to their families.

The Drug Dependent Persons Treatment and Rehabilitation Centres (Licensing) Ordinance provides for the control of treatment centres catering to voluntary residential treatment of four or more persons, through a licensing scheme administered by the Social Welfare Department. As at year-end, 38 out of 44 Certificates of Exemptions issued to treatment centres operating before commencement of the ordinance and a licence were renewed, and five licences were issued to existing treatment centres.

The Third Three-year Plan on Drug Treatment and Rehabilitation Services (2003-05) was released in December 2003. The plan examined the adequacy of existing drug treatment and rehabilitation services in Hong Kong with a view to formulating strategies and future directions. Pursuant to recommendations made in the 2003-05 Plan, a Task Force was formed in May with representatives from government departments and non-governmental organisations to consider setting up a Service Information System that would provide data for drawing up future service standards for local drug treatment services. A database containing comprehensive information on the drug treatment and rehabilitation services in Hong Kong was set up in October to enable drug dependent people seeking treatment to make better informed choices.

During the year, various measures were adopted to improve the services of methadone clinics pursuant to the recommendations of the Report on the Review of the Methadone Treatment Programme. Individual and group counselling services for methadone patients and their families were enhanced. The Department of Health. implemented universal HIV urine testing at all methadone clinics with effect from January. Actions were taken to identify suitable premises to set up a dedicated social service centre to provide enhanced and one-stop support services for methadone patients.

Preventive Education and Publicity

The Narcotics Division adopted a multi-faceted approach in publicising the anti- drug message during the year. To sustain drug education for students, the division continued to provide school programmes to students at Primary 5 and 6 and those from schools of the English Schools Foundation and international schools. During the year, 1 204 education programmes for 127 279 students were delivered. Apart from programmes targeting students, drug talks and seminars were also conducted for 3 013 teachers, social workers and members of youth groups. The Narcotics Division also ensures that anti-drug educational activities offered by various government