News Releases and Coverage Opioids Substance Use

Vancouver doctor says vending-machine opioids a cheap way to save lives (Dr. Keith Ahamad, Dr. Mark Tyndall, SPH)

A doctor with an expertise in public health says he will soon be dispensing opioids through a vending machine in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside in order to prevent overdoses from fentanyl-laced street drugs.

Dr. Mark Tyndall said the machine that’s been created in Toronto would scan a patient’s hand for identification before dispensing a pre-programmed number of hydromorphone pills that are a substitute for heroin.

Dr. Keith Ahamad, an addiction specialist at St. Paul’s Hospital, said any plan to provide safer drugs should be rigorously evaluated to reduce potential harms and illegal drugs should be regulated through a framework similar to cannabis and alcohol, for example.

Read the full story on the National Post.

Give us your comments and story ideas