Free rehab on offer

CONCERNED: PARENTS URGED TO BRING ADDICTED KIDS TO ORLANDO

- Enkosi Selane

An ambitious plan to assess 15 000 people struggling with substance abuse in a single day has drawn cautious responses from treatment professionals who question whether the scale allows for quality care.

While people in the industry have lauded the initiative, concerns have been raised about the feasibility of the one-day event.

Speaking at Jabulani Mall last week, Gauteng premier Panyaza Lesufi’s announced that this Saturday, parents should bring children who are addicts and alcoholics to Orlando Communal Hall for assessment.

“On the 27 October, bring all these kids who are addicts and alcoholics and leave them with me. I will rehabilitate them and transform their lives into what they are meant to be,” Lesufi said.

The premier said the initiative will target communities across Gauteng, including Soweto, Katlehong, Tembisa, Lenasia and Vanderbijlpark.

Individuals will be assessed to determine whether they need hospitalisation, rehabilitation or medication.

Lesufi said the government will coordinate resources across multiple departments, including doctors and nurses, social workers and police.

“Doctors and nurses will be there and when they see if they should go to rehab, that’s where we'll send them. You only need to give us your address and we'll take them to rehab,” he said.