At a meeting on March 1 with leaders from functional agencies and sectors involved in drug detoxification, Mr Trong emphasised that drug is always a social scourge, threatening social security and socio-economic development of all countries.

“It is imperative to consider producing detoxification medicines not only vital objective but a deed of profound humanitarian significance,” he said. “All relevant agencies and sectors should encourage and expand the production of the medication to minise and repulse drug use from social life,”

Currently, some kinds of drug addiction detox medication are used in Vietnam, such as Bong Sen (Lotus), Cedemex and Danapha. In addition, methadone has been used for detoxification treatment in a pilot study in HCM City and Hai Phong and will be applied in Hanoi and other provinces in the near future.