DOCTORS DEFEND METHADONE PROGRAM

To the editor:

Re: "Juiced up," Sept. 5.

As methadone-prescribing doctors, we are delighted to see the
investigative journalism that has led to the recent expose of
unethical practices by certain pharmacies on Vancouver's Downtown Eastside.

Numerous communications with the appropriate authorities have led to
little or no action, even when detailing examples of gross
professional misconduct.

As a group of doctors practicing in this environment, we have been
struggling to deliver effective care in the face of pharmacy practices
which are often in direct conflict with our aims: the stabilization
and treatment of severe addiction and its associated medical
complications such as HIV, hepatitis C, and life-threatening
infections, and the prevention of transmission of these diseases.

Methadone maintenance is a valuable tool for treatment of addiction,
and is supported by 50 years of experience and research. The College
of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia licenses physicians to
prescribe methadone and carefully monitors the prescribing of
methadone. However, the way it is dispensed at the pharmacy is
critical to the success of the program.

These unethical and unprofessional pharmacy practices must be stopped
urgently, and hopefully the recent interest in the situation will
translate into action. On behalf of many local doctors, it is our
sincere hope that this expose will hold the dishonest to account, but
not tarnish the reputation of methadone maintenance treatment, which
remains one of our most effective treatments for opioid addiction.

Dr. K. Stancer, Dr. J.Yang, Dr. J. Melamed, Dr. Mark Viljoen

Vancouver, B.C.