Opioid Substitution Programs - Methadone Distribution in Abercrombie: Relocation Under Review

At Abercrombie, the distribution of methadone has reached its limits. In light of the influx of beneficiaries and complaints from local residents, the Minister of Health discusses immediate adjustments and a project for a specialized center to fundamentally rethink the care of users.

The issue of methadone distribution and its impact on surrounding neighborhoods has become a central topic in parliamentary debates. Through a query, the Minister of Health, Anil Bachoo, was called to clarify the situation at the Abercrombie site, which has gradually become a key point in the care of individuals dependent on opioids.

Right from the start, the minister outlined the evolution of the system. He recalled that at the beginning of 2023, a strategic decision was made to streamline distribution services. The VKS center site, which had around 230 beneficiaries, was then transferred to the former police quarters of Abercrombie. This site already hosted about 376 patients. "This relocation aimed to centralize services and improve the follow-up of beneficiaries," he explained.

However, this decision quickly led to a significant concentration of patients in one location, resulting in unexpected collateral effects.

Two years later, the figures reflect this rising pressure. "As of March 2025, about 635 beneficiaries were receiving their daily dose of methadone at Abercrombie," Anil Bachoo stated. This influx has caused significant gatherings around the site, complicating both logistical management and safety in the area.

In response to this situation, a preliminary corrective measure was adopted in April 2025. "Approximately 170 beneficiaries were redirected to the Vallée-Pitot police station to ease the burden at Abercrombie," he specified. This initiative partially reduced the pressure but did not resolve the underlying issue. Indeed, despite this redistribution, the Abercrombie site remains in high demand. "As of February 10, 2026, 448 beneficiaries were still registered at this site," the minister highlighted, illustrating the persistent strong demand for this essential public health service.