News (Media Awareness Project) - Switzerland: Swiss Lawmakers Vote To Continue Prescription |
| Title: | Switzerland: Swiss Lawmakers Vote To Continue Prescription |
| Published On: | 2003-03-05 |
| Source: | New Zealand Herald (New Zealand) |
| Fetched On: | 2008-01-20 23:05:35 |
SWISS LAWMAKERS VOTE TO CONTINUE PRESCRIPTION HEROIN
Lawmakers have voted to extend Switzerland's pioneering programme to
provide heroin to severely addicted people.
The National Council voted 110-42 to extend the programme until the end of
2009, rejecting an attempt by right-of-centre parties to end it.
The Swiss Government maintains the heroin programme brings health gains and
reduces crime and death associated with the drug scene.
Some 1300 drug addicts, averaging about 33 years in age, benefit from the
legal prescription of heroin under medical control.
Switzerland's experiment with drug distribution began in 1994 with the
first government-authorised distribution of heroin, morphine and methadone
in the world.
Lawmakers have voted to extend Switzerland's pioneering programme to
provide heroin to severely addicted people.
The National Council voted 110-42 to extend the programme until the end of
2009, rejecting an attempt by right-of-centre parties to end it.
The Swiss Government maintains the heroin programme brings health gains and
reduces crime and death associated with the drug scene.
Some 1300 drug addicts, averaging about 33 years in age, benefit from the
legal prescription of heroin under medical control.
Switzerland's experiment with drug distribution began in 1994 with the
first government-authorised distribution of heroin, morphine and methadone
in the world.
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