Gyeonggi-do Operates 66 'Magmi Pharmacies' for Drug and Substance Abuse Prevention

[Asia Economy (Suwon) = Reporter Lee Young-gyu] Gyeonggi Province operates 66 'Magmi Pharmacies' that will take the lead in eradicating drugs and substances. The "Magmi" in Magmi Pharmacies means blocking drugs and substances.

Gyeonggi Province announced on the 22nd that, in collaboration with the Gyeonggi Drug Eradication Movement Headquarters and the Gyeonggi Pharmaceutical Association, it started the 'Magmi Pharmacy' project on the 12th to early detect and treat substance dependents and prevent drug addiction.

The Magmi Pharmacy operation project is a follow-up measure based on the 'Expert Forum on Drug Policy Improvement' hosted by the province in March last year and the 'Ordinance on Support for Prevention Activities to Prevent Drug and Substance Abuse in Gyeonggi Province,' fully amended and proposed by Gyeonggi Provincial Assembly member Lee Ae-hyung.

By region, Suwon has the most with 14 locations. This is followed by Seongnam with 12, Goyang 6, Pyeongtaek 6, Siheung 5, Hwaseong 5, Uiwang 5, Gwangmyeong 5, Ansan 4, and Yongin 4.

For patients suspected of substance dependence visiting the pharmacy, the first stage of professional medication guidance and basic drug addiction counseling services are provided.

High-risk patients who are suspected of illegal drug use or frequently prescribed psychotropic drugs or drugs with concerns of abuse or misuse can receive rehabilitation services linked to the Gyeonggi Drug Eradication Movement Headquarters counseling center upon their request.

Choi Young-seong, Director of the Provincial Health and Medical Department, said, "We aim to strengthen proactive responses to drug addiction through accurate medication guidance and professional counseling for early substance dependents in the province," adding, "We will also do our best to promote this to residents so that more pharmacies can participate."

Meanwhile, according to the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety in May this year, 36% of the population responded that they had experience using medical narcotics last year, indicating the need for continuous management of drug use and patients.

By gender, women accounted for 57.1% and men 42.9%, and by age group, those in their 50s to 60s had the highest rate at 45.4%.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.