The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Criticism of drug service cutbacks
Opposition MSPs have attacked the Scottish Government for cutting funds for alcohol and drug partnerships as fatal overdoses increase.
Labour and the Liberal Democrats called on ministers to take responsibility for the “horrifying” National Records of Scotland figures.
Alex Cole-Hamilton, the Lib Dem MSP, said the Scottish Government should “hang its head in shame” for the cuts to drug and alcohol services.
Scottish Labour’s Anas Sarwar said the “absolutely shocking” figures should serve as a “wake-up call” for the Scottish Government.
SNP councillor Ken Lynn, who is chairman of the Dundee health and social care board, sits on the Dundee Drugs Misuse Commission.
He welcomed the “change in tone” from the Scottish Government when Nicola Sturgeon said she was ready to adopt controversial measures.
“The noises coming out of Westminster are very different. They don’t seem interested in radical solutions. We want to focus more on it as a health issue.”
Conservative MSP Bill Bowman said: “We need a radical and urgent drugs strategy that is tough on dealers and everyone who profits from this evil industry.”
Dr Emma Fletcher, chairman of the Tayside Drug Death Review Group said the drugs commission is taking evidence from users to inform new measures.
She said the take-home naloxone programme – medication that counters the effects of opioids – is being extended.
She said: “We are continuously seeking ways in which we can improve the support provided to people who take drugs, their friends and families, with the aim of reducing and preventing drug deaths.”