THE Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) is collaborating with the Ministry of Health and private rehabilitation center organisations in the fight against Drug and substance abuse.

And DEC Public Relations Officer,  Allan Tamba has invited other  institutions specialized in fighting substance abuse  to come on board and collaborate with the institution.

Mr Tamba was speaking in a telephone interview with ZANIS in Lusaka on Wednesday.

He explained that currently counselling programs for drug and substance abusers are offered at the ministry of health facilities.

“People who are drug dependent need rehabilitative measures that call for specialized facilities,” he said.

Mr Tamba stressed that this is the reason DEC  collaborates with the private sector institutions like Great North Academy, Silver Lining Medical Center among others.

Meanwhile, Great North Academy Rehabilitation Centre Administrator Namonje Nukonanji said individuals referred by DEC to their facility are required to pay K1000 for the assessment process which determines the level and treatment required for the individual.

“It determines if we need to do further tests,” said Ms Nukonanji.

She added that the institution which is located in Rhodes Park Lusaka, does not have a fixed treatment charge as it deals with different individuals on different substances.