Question

Last week, Canada announced that they would launch a pilot program that would set up ATM-like vending machines to dispense hydromorphone to those who are addicted to opioids. Many see this intervention as a novel and potentially unconventional way to address the problems with opioid abuse. Please read the article here before responding. I would like to know your thoughts on this approach. What are the risks and benefits? Do you believe that this approach will be effective?

Answer 1

Opioid overdose is the leading cause of death in Canada. The BCCDC has planned to dispense hydromorphone pills through the vending machine. In 2017, more than 1208 people died because of opioid overdose. Fentanyl is more powerful which increases in the street drugs.

This pilot project minimizes the use of opioids by dispensing two or three hydromorphone pills per person three times per day and it also reduces the cost. This program can be implemented and expanded quickly and is inexpensive. The program has to provide safety and security to the people and the vending machine can be installed in the place where the people can access it. It also needs to monitors the designer of the vending machine of loading medicine by using biometrics.

Canada approved $1 million for this pilot project. The main drawback is security system needs to prevent stealing of pills and to be sold in the streets. The supervision is a need for injectable drugs. This program stops the usage of the overdose but not to treat the addiction. This program is effective in reduction of overdose death but not reducing the number of substance users.