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Source:
www.moh.gov.sg |
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Speech by Mr Khaw Boon Wan, Minister for Health
at Beritan Harian Achiever of the Year Award 03 Aug 2006 |
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An Excerpt |
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The introduction of Subutex is a classic
example of good intention that has led to unintended detrimental
outcome. |
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In 2000, the decision was made for it to be
introduced in Singapore to help the heroin addicts. |
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It was a well meaning decision with the
interests of the heroin addicts at heart. But the good intention has
unfortunately yielded opposite and unexpected results. |
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While some heroin addicts appeared to have
benefited from Subutex, many others seem to have merely shifted their
addiction from heroin to Subutex. |
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In addition, many more who have never tried
drugs before have become new addicts. Within 4 years of introduction, we
now have at least 3800 Subutex users, 45% of them Malay, 43% Chinese and
10% Indian. |
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What is worse, a "needle injection culture"
which is common among drug addicts in many other countries but never
part of our drug addiction scene, has now emerged in Singapore. |
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This is particularly worrying because
needle injection significantly raises the risks of spreading
infectious diseases such as HIV, Hepatitis B and C among our
people. |
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Discarded needles can also fall into
the hands of the unwary such as children at playgrounds exposing
them to unnecessary risks. Moreover, intravenous injections of
Subutex, especially when combined with other drugs, can be deadly. |
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The problem continues to grow, despite
various restrictive measures put in by the Government last year.
The status quo is not an acceptable option. |
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Let us tackle this problem
fundamentally and nip it before it becomes unmanageable. |
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We have two priorities. First, prevent
new abusers to this drug. Second, help the current abusers wean
off this drug. |
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Together with the Ministry of Home
Affairs, we are finalizing a robust set of measures. |
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We are proposing to classify
buprenorphine as a Controlled Drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act,
making the illegal import, distribution, possession and
consumption of buprenorphine an offence. |
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And we will go all out to help the
abusers wean off the drug and to lead a drug-free life. A
rehabilitation programme is being set up. It would be supervised
by a panel of psychiatrists. |
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We will announce the implementation
details next week. |
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It is not easy but it is possible for
opiate users to be drug free. They will require the active support
of their family, their friends and the community at large. These
are fellow Singaporeans; let's help them re-integrate into society
and lead a drug-free life... |
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Full Text of Speech |
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Source:
www.moh.gov.sg News Release 3
Aug 2006 |
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Related Articles: |
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Update On Subutex Voluntary Rehabilitation Programme |
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Subutex a Class A Controlled Drug from 14 Aug 2006 |
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"From 14
August 2006, doctors will not be permitted to
prescribe and dispense any take-home dosages for
existing patients. |
| "All
patients who require Subutex will have to consume their
medication under direct visual observation of the pharmacist, doctor
and/or his treatment team on a daily basis1 ..." |
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More..... |
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FrontPage Edition: Fri 4 August 2006
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