Program involving naloxone kits supported in Sask.

TheCouncil of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Saskatchewan supportsuse of a synthetic drug to treat peoplewho suffer from an overdose ofopioids.

The College's council passed a resolution on Friday saying it supports a program involving naloxone kits.According to the council,the drug kits should be more broadly available to people who need it.

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"The [council]encourages the development of a program which will make naloxone kits available to appropriately trained persons who will deal with individuals who have suffered an opiate overdose," said Bryan Salte, associate registrar of the College of Physicians and Surgeons.

However, Salte said the council believes three safeguards should be in place for the program to function. Those are:

1. Appropriate education for the potential users of such kits.
2. Appropriate method of tracking the prescribing and use of naloxone kits.
3. An expectation that emergency medical services will be involved in dealing with an individual who has suffered an overdose.