I. Metshin: "Since the beginning of the 2000s the situation with drug addiction in the city stabilized"

(Kazan City KZN.RU, November 23, Zoya Gerasimova). The number of deaths caused by drug use has decreased in Kazan. From the beginning of this year 11 people died in the city, and in 2013 and 2014 31 and 26 people respectively died on the use of psychotropic substances. The head of the Health Ministry of Health of the Republic of Tatarstan in Kazan Ilnur Khalfiev told about the drug situation, prevention and treatment of drug addicts at the Business Monday today.

According to him, in Tatarstan complex multi-stage system of assistance to drug addicts, their families and codependency operates - prehospital (outpatient) and inpatient rehabilitation assistance provided to patients irrespective of their consumption of the drug. "In the city there are 337 drug treatment beds, 2 day hospitals with 60 beds, 2 outpatient clinics and 7 children and teen offices. The provision of rehabilitation beds in the republic today is one and a half times higher than the average federal-index (RT - 0.3, in the Russian Federation - 0.17 per 10,000 of population), "- Ilnur Khalfiev reported on the provision of medical institutions.

Despite the fact that in absolute terms the number of drug addicts in Kazan more than in other cities of the republic, in terms of 100 thousand people there is a relatively favorable picture in the capital of Tatarstan compared with other localities. As Ilnur Khalfiev noted, anti-rating is headed by Bugulma, Naberezhnye Chelny, Zelenodolsk, Almetyevsk. Nizhnekamsk finishes the list. "Of course, this is not the case when you are pleased with poor figures from the neighbors. Nevertheless, despite the fact that we are the largest city in the republic, we are not heading the anti-rating. We need to do everything possible to be at the bottom of this "league" table "- the Mayor of Kazan Ilsur Metshin said.

A reduction in the number of deaths among drug addicts is the positive trend of recent years. "Today in Kazan 4063 people are registered with a diagnosis of drug addiction, another 3042 people consist in the preventive supervision in connection with drug abuse. Since the beginning of the year 11 people died due to drug use. Over the last two years this figure is gradually decreasing. In 2013 and 2014 31 and 26 people respectively died from the drug use, "- Ilnur Khalfiev said.

Speaking of prevention, head of the Health Ministry of Health of the Republic of Tatatrstan in Kazan noted that in 2015, due to changes in federal legislation, regulations for preventive drug inspections was finalized. From now socio-psychological testing of children from 13 years is carried out in educational institutions. On the basis of this the lists of pupils is drawn up and inspections are carried out.

According Ilnur Khalfiev, 2231 Kazan school students were examined, no drug users have been identified among them. 78 people were examined in places of mass recreation of youth, 10 consumers were found. Also 10248 people visited youth friendly clinics that operate on the basis of the student clinic and the city children's hospital №7.
According Ilsur Metshin, the overall situation with drug addiction in the city has stabilized. "Today 77% of drug users are young people aged 20 to 39 years. It is the most flourishing, working age, when people have to start a family, to become active participants in society. But they chose a different path. Overall since the beginning of the 2000s the situation with drug addiction in the city has stabilized. In particular, this year will be merciful on the number of deaths. During the first 9 months of this year 11 people have died. I remember 2005, when 200 people died during a year. The difference is significant, but it's not a victory. Work needs to be continued, "- said the Mayor.