Safer Supply

British Columbia’s prescribed safer supply program — aimed at providing people at high risk of overdose with regulated alternatives to toxic street drugs — is undergoing a major shift, drawing sharp criticism from the Opposition.

The same day the coroner confirmed 150 people died from toxic drug overdoses in BC in October, the province flushed out details of its next step in battling the crisis. Josie Osborne, BC Health Minister: "Helping to separate people from the illicit drug supply."

"This is really egregious political interference in medical decision-making. It doesn't really support recovery. It doesn't really support people getting on with their lives you know being basically chained to a pharmacy all day long."

Earlier this week, the B.C. government announced that all patients receiving a safer supply of drugs will be required to have a medical professional present when using drugs in a bid to stop drugs from being diverted to the street. I think that'll be even more challenging. So, I think it's going to reduce the number of people in this program significantly. I'm not sure it'll have much impact on the on on diverted Dilaudid.