Pharmacy Daily | Peak bodies call for NSW drug action

PEAK bodies are urging the NSW Government to "act decisively" on alcohol and other drug policy to save lives.

The calls come after yesterday's release of the NSW Drug Summit Report, which put forward 56 recommendations relating to prevention, early intervention, community support, stigma, workforce and reform.

The Summit, which was held last year, heard from over 400 participants, as well as receiving 3,600 submissions.

RACGP NSW and ACT Chair, Dr Rebekah Hoffman, urged the NSW Government to "seize the opportunity for sensible reforms that could save lives".

"This report lays out a roadmap for reform that could transform how the state tackles alcohol and other drug use," she said.

"It states that effective, available and affordable treatment for people with substance use or dependence is crucial, and I couldn't agree more."

The report notes that needle and syringe programs, with outlets the include pharmacies, received strong support and recommended expanding their reach, particularly in rural, regional and remote parts of the state where these services can be few and far between.

There was also a call to get naloxone, a drug that temporarily reverses an opioid overdose, into the hands of those more likely to experience an overdose or witness one, with pharmacies urged to better promote the availability of take-home naloxone in-store.

"Another of the priority actions is expanding access to opioid substitute therapy, such as methadone and buprenorphine, and increasing the number of GPs and nurse practitioners who can prescribe these medications - both of which we strongly support," Dr Hoffman said.

Another recommendation is legislating for a medical defence for people using medically prescribed cannabis who are driving.

The Network of Alcohol and other Drugs Agencies (NADA) has also welcomed the report, and urged the Government to respond swiftly.

"The NSW Government now has the mandate they said they needed to make change - now we need to see action," said Dr Robert Stirling, CEO of NADA.

"There are no big surprises in the report which is pleasing to see, and the sector is united on much of what is covered.

"It's time to get on with meaningful reform." KB