As many as 508 prisoners across the province are currently drug addicts. This was informed at a meeting chaired by Chief Secretary (CS) Syed Mumtaz Ali Shah here on Monday. The meeting was called to discuss the measures aimed at improving the conditions and working of Drug Addicts' Rehabilitation Centres of the province. "As many as 140 drug addicts, which is the largest number among all inmates of other prisons of province, are lodged at Malir Jail," the meeting was told.

Chief Secretary on this occasion directed all rehabilitation centres to ensure uniform course, technical training and treatment to the drug addicts.

"Currently 508 of the total prisoners were drug addicts, who are being treated to transform their life."

"All the Rehabilitation Centres would be made to ensure uniform course, technical training and treatment to the drug addicts and they will have to appoint psychologists and trained staff," Chief Secretary said.

"For this purpose, the rehabilitation centres would be registered with Sindh Healthcare Commission and would be provided financial assistance as well as security," he added.

He said the training course modules would be designed with the help of Sindh government's Technical and Vocational Training Department, Hunar Foundation and other organisations.

Chief Secretary sought the complete record of rehabilitation centres so that it could be scrutinised properly by the health department before registering them. He also called for submitting a detailed report on requirements of rehabilitation centres including doctors and financial assistance, within a week.