DRUG ADDICTS DESERVE HELP

I FIND myself in the unusual position of coming to the defence of the
coalition Government for its decision to fund ambulance costs for
overdose victims to the tune of $50,000.

I support and congratulate Kevin Prince, the Minister responsible for
the WA Drug Abuse Strategy, and the Pharmacy Guild of WA for having
the courage and compassion to make this decision.

Many of the letters that have been published are critical of the
decision for one reason or another. However, I believe that most of
the critics have missed the point.

A significant number of ambulance calls made for overdose victims are
never actually paid for. So, effectively those who pay for ambulance
cover are contributing to these costs already.

More importantly, as a society we have a duty to care for those
citizens who for whatever reason, put their lives at risk by their own
actions. In a perfect world there would be no need for these types of
measures because there would be no demand or supply of heroin.

This measure also should be of some comfort to the families of heroin
users. They may rest a little easier knowing that if their loved one
overdoses, there is one less impediment to those around to call for an
ambulance.

I understand the critics comments relating to "personal choice" for
this life-threatening behaviour, but does anyone suggest we withhold
medical assistance from smokers who develop lung cancer or alcoholics
who require a liver transplant?

Most heroin addicts eventually kick their habit and become productive
members of society. If this money saves the life of one person and
spares one family the grief and heartache far too many families have
to face today, then this is a cost I believe we should all be prepared
to wear.

JASON MEOTTI, State president, Australian Drug Law Reform Foundation
(WA).