People using safe supply prescribed drugs will now have to consume them in front of health professionals, to prevent them from being diverted.
Provincial health minister Josie Osborne made the announcement today. She defended the government’s Prescribed Alternatives Program, saying that it has been proven to save lives.
However, she admitted diversion is a problem, and the new requirement will help keep prescribed drugs out of the wrong hands.
“Prescribed alternatives have been proven to save lives by providing a safer option for people at high risk of overdose,” she said in a statement. “We are requiring that the use of prescribed alternatives must be witnessed by a health professional. This will remove the risk of these medications from ending up in the hands of gangs and organized crime.”
There will also be new requirements and fee structures for pharmacies that prescribe the drugs, removing financial incentives for bad actors to abuse the system for financial gain.
The province will also look into the over-prescription of opioid medications.
“The overwhelming majority of pharmacies and prescribers follow the rules, but it is unacceptable that bad actors are exploiting the health-care system and putting communities at risk,” Osborne said. “We are working with law enforcement to stop illegal activity and ensure pharmacies operate in the best interests of patients and public safety.”
–Files by Grant Warkentin, My Cowichan Valley Now
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