Project Report: Oral Substitution Therapy (OST)
Project Location: Sitarganj, Udham Singh Nagar, Uttarakhand
Implementing Organization: Institute of Social Development (ISD)
Funder: Uttarakhand State AIDS Control Society (USACS)
Project Type:
- Harm Reduction & Rehabilitation (for Injecting Drug Users)
1. Project Overview
The OST Project implemented by ISD in Sitarganj is a critical harm-reduction initiative aimed at supporting Injecting Drug Users (IDUs) in reducing dependency on injectable drugs through medically supervised oral substitution therapy.
This is the only NGO-run OST Centre in Uttarakhand, making it a highly significant intervention in HIV prevention and drug rehabilitation.
2. Objectives of the Project
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Reduce dependency on injectable drug use |
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Prevent spread of HIV, Hepatitis C (HCV), and infections |
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Improve health and quality of life of clients |
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Promote social reintegration and stability |
3. Key Services Provided
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Oral substitution therapy under medical supervision |
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Regular health check-ups and testing |
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Screening and management of Hepatitis C (HCV) |
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Counseling and follow-up support |
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Monitoring client adherence and regularity |
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Referral to other health services |
4. Key Achievements (2024–2026)
| Indicator | 2024–25 | 2025–26 |
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| OST Target | 100 | 100 |
| Total Registration | 98 | 128 |
| Active Clients | 74 | 87 |
| Very Regular Clients | 42 | 62 |
| Regular Clients | 23 | 18 |
| Irregular Clients | 9 | 7 |
| Routine Testing Conducted | 98 | 128 |
| HCV Positive Cases | 54 | 65 |
| Clients Treated for HCV | 25 | 32 |
5. Impact
- Reduction in injecting drug use behavior
- Improved treatment adherence and regularity
- Early detection and treatment of Hepatitis C (HCV)
- Enhanced health status and stability
- Contribution to HIV prevention through harm reduction
- Strengthened continuum of care for IDUs
6. Conclusion
The OST Project in Sitarganj stands as a model intervention for harm reduction in Uttarakhand.
Being the only NGO-operated OST centre in the state, ISD has played a pioneering role in addressing substance abuse and associated health risks.
Through consistent service delivery, counseling, and medical support, the project has significantly improved the lives of beneficiaries and strengthened public health outcomes.