ACRRM welcomes support to address rural and remote opioid addiction

The Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) has welcomed the announcement by the Hon Greg Hunt MP, that funding will be provided to enable the College to work in partnership with the Rural Doctors Association of Australia (RDAA) and CRANAplus to develop and deliver a range of resources to support and educate rural and remote health practitioners and their patients about the rescheduling of codeine.

A/Prof Ruth Stewart, President of ACRRM, said that this funding will allow targeted communication and education programs which recognise the circumstances of rural and remote medical practice and the needs of rural and remote communities.

“The College is very supportive of the announcement that over-the-counter medicines containing codeine will become prescription only from 1 February 2018,” she said.

“This decision is based on sound evidence which demonstrates the limited benefits of these products in terms of pain relief and the potential risk of addiction.  The evidence is widely recognised both in Australia and overseas.  

“However it is important that all rural and remote health professionals and their patients have access to information and support which is tailored to their specific needs.  The Government funding will enable this material to be developed and distributed.

“ACRRM commends the Government on its decision to reschedule codeine and will work to support all rural and remote health professionals and patients during the transition period and into the future”.