AMA URGES POLITICAL COURAGE OVER HEROIN TRIALS

The Australian Medical Association says it is time for political
courage on the issue of whether to allow trials of prescription
heroin.

The National Crime Authority (NCA) says trials should be considered
to reduce drug-related crime, a move that has been ruled out by the
Federal Government, while the Opposition says it would be considered.

AMA president Kerryn Phelps says the NCA should be listened to.

"If the crime authority is saying this is something we should try, if
the medical profession and the experts involved in drug dependence
are saying this is something we should try, then I believe it is the
responsibility of both sides of government to give it a go," she said.