Need for transparency, accountability, and community participation in rehabilitation centre evaluations
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Maisnam Pushpakanta Luwang
The growing challenge of substance abuse in Manipur demands not only effective rehabilitation services but also a system that is transparent, accountable, and genuinely focused on the welfare of individuals seeking recovery. Private Rehabilitation Centres registered under the Social Welfare Department play a crucial role in this process, making it essential that their functioning is regularly monitored and evaluated in a fair and impartial manner.
One important step towards ensuring credibility in the evaluation process is the inclusion of individuals from the recovery and substance-use community in inspection and assessment teams. People with lived experience possess a unique understanding of the realities faced by those undergoing treatment and recovery.
Their participation can help provide valuable insights into the actual conditions, quality of care, and effectiveness of services being offered by rehabilitation centres.
In this regard, preference should be given to experienced members of the recovery and substance-use community who possess a minimum educational qualification of graduation. Such individuals can contribute meaningfully by combining practical experience with educational competence, thereby strengthening the objectivity, professionalism, and credibility of the evaluation process. Their involvement would help ensure that inspections are informed not only by administrative
requirements but
also by a genuine understanding of the challenges and needs of those seeking recovery.
Concerns have often been raised regarding the possibility of conflicts of interest when individuals directly involved in operating rehabilitation centres influence evaluation processes. To maintain public confidence and uphold professional standards, evaluation mechanisms must remain independent, transparent, and free from vested interests.
At the same time, the Social Welfare Department must continue to discharge its regulatory responsibilities firmly and without political influence, external pressure, or interference from any quarter.
Effective monitoring
and enforcement are essential to ensure that rehabilitation services are delivered ethically and in accordance with established norms and guidelines.
This call for greater transparency is not intended as criticism of the authorities but rather as a constructive appeal made in the interest of public welfare.
The rights and dignity of persons affected by substance use disorders must remain at the centre of all policies and actions. They are citizens entitled to equal protection under the law and deserve rehabilitation services that are safe and accountable.
Therefore, it is hoped that the Department will seriously consider adopting a more inclusive, transparent, and community- oriented approach to inspections and evaluations.
Such measures would not only enhance accountability but also strengthen public trust in the rehabilitation system and contribute to better outcomes for
individuals striving to rebuild their lives through recovery.
As Manipur continues its efforts to address substance abuse, strengthening transparency, community participation, and professional oversight in the evaluation of rehabilitation centres can play a significant role in safeguarding the welfare, dignity, and rights of those affected by substance dependence.
The growing challenge of substance abuse in Manipur demands not only effective rehabilitation services but also a system that is transparent, accountable, and genuinely focused on the welfare of individuals seeking recovery. Private Rehabilitation Centres registered under the Social Welfare Department play a crucial role in this process, making it essential that their functioning is regularly monitored and evaluated in a fair and impartial manner.
One important step towards ensuring credibility in the evaluation process is the inclusion of individuals from the recovery and substance-use community in inspection and assessment teams. People with lived experience possess a unique understanding of the realities faced by those undergoing treatment and recovery.
Their participation can help provide valuable insights into the actual conditions, quality of care, and effectiveness of services being offered by rehabilitation centres.
In this regard, preference should be given to experienced members of the recovery and substance-use community who possess a minimum educational qualification of graduation. Such individuals can contribute meaningfully by combining practical experience with educational competence, thereby strengthening the objectivity, professionalism, and credibility of the evaluation process. Their involvement would help ensure that inspections are informed not only by administrative
requirements but
also by a genuine understanding of the challenges and needs of those seeking recovery.
Concerns have often been raised regarding the possibility of conflicts of interest when individuals directly involved in operating rehabilitation centres influence evaluation processes. To maintain public confidence and uphold professional standards, evaluation mechanisms must remain independent, transparent, and free from vested interests.
At the same time, the Social Welfare Department must continue to discharge its regulatory responsibilities firmly and without political influence, external pressure, or interference from any quarter.
Effective monitoring
and enforcement are essential to ensure that rehabilitation services are delivered ethically and in accordance with established norms and guidelines.
This call for greater transparency is not intended as criticism of the authorities but rather as a constructive appeal made in the interest of public welfare.
The rights and dignity of persons affected by substance use disorders must remain at the centre of all policies and actions. They are citizens entitled to equal protection under the law and deserve rehabilitation services that are safe and accountable.
Therefore, it is hoped that the Department will seriously consider adopting a more inclusive, transparent, and community- oriented approach to inspections and evaluations.
Such measures would not only enhance accountability but also strengthen public trust in the rehabilitation system and contribute to better outcomes for
individuals striving to rebuild their lives through recovery.
As Manipur continues its efforts to address substance abuse, strengthening transparency, community participation, and professional oversight in the evaluation of rehabilitation centres can play a significant role in safeguarding the welfare, dignity, and rights of those affected by substance dependence.