Main Service Areas
Methadone Treatment Programme
The Narcotics and Drug Administration Division (NDAD) runs the Methadone Treatment Programme (MTP), which is one of the multi-pronged anti-drug efforts of the Government. MTP is a treatment programme for opioid abusers, aiming to provide them with a legal, affordable, safe and effective way to break their addiction to opioid (most commonly “heroin”), and lead a normal life.
The MTP provides the following services:
- Medical assessment and health education.
- Methadone prescription for daily treatment at any one of the Methadone Clinics upon registration
- Harm reduction measures such as screening programme for HIV and viral hepatitis infection and vaccination services for suitable patients.
- Counselling, psychosocial support and case management by social workers.
- Referral to other drug treatment service agencies as appropriate.
Characteristics of MTP:
- Easy access: There are 18 Methadone Clinics in Hong Kong, including 6 day clinics and 12 evening clinics. Clinics open daily including Sundays and public holidays.
- Affordable: $1 per treatment irrespective of dosage ($40 for Non-eligible Person).
- Low threshold of admission: No referral or prior appointment booking is required.
- Confidential: Patient records are strictly confidential and are protected by the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance against improper disclosure.
- Voluntary: Treatment is provided on a voluntary basis and tailored to individual needs.
Methadone Treatment Programme – Patient's Charter
Please click here to download the document.
Collaborations with Anti-drug Stakeholders:
The NDAD works closely with the local community for promoting treatment and rehabilitation services as well as supporting anti-drug publicity. Apart from active participation in the Action Committee Against Narcotics (and its sub-committees), NDAD also establishes strong networks with other drug misuse treatment and rehabilitation services via the Drug Liaison Committee meetings and engages professional sharing and exchanges such as clinical attachments by psychiatrist trainees.
Being part of the delegation of China, NDAD representatives join the annual meeting of Commission on Narcotic Drugs which discusses all drug-related matters in an international platform. With more than 50 years of established services, the MTP has attracted over 150 high-level study delegations from more than 20 international organisations, overseas countries or neighbouring regions to come