The Ministry of Health in Costa Rica has launched a robust and comprehensive strategy to combat the emerging fentanyl crisis in the country. With the alarming rise of both legal and illegal usage of this potent painkiller, the initiative titled “Illegal Fentanyl: Just trying it can kill you” is not just a wake-up call, but a multifaceted action plan aimed at safeguarding public health.
Understanding Fentanyl: The Legal and the Lethal
Fentanyl, a pain medication more potent than morphine, is legally available in Costa Rica but strictly regulated. Minister of Health, Mary Munive, underlined the distinction between the “legal” injectable or patch forms of fentanyl available on prescription, and the “illegal” pills that often make their way across borders, potentially laced with lethal substances.
The Pill Problem: A Dangerous Gamble
Munive expressed deep concern over the illicit fentanyl pills entering the country. These pills, often mixed with other substances, can be deadly even in small amounts. The campaign launched by the Ministry aims to raise awareness about this hidden danger lurking in pill form.
Training and Education: Frontline Defenses
In response to this growing threat, the Ministry is not only focusing on public awareness but also on specialized training to handle drug-related cases, particularly those involving fentanyl. The plan includes educational campaigns targeting students and the general public, promoting healthy lifestyles and reducing risks associated with substance abuse.
Digital Prescription: A Step Towards Safer Monitoring
One of the key strategies in tackling this issue is the integration of digital prescriptions across public and private health services. This technological shift will enable better monitoring of medicine, psychotropic drugs, and narcotics distribution, ensuring a tighter control over potentially dangerous substances.
Raising the Bar: Enhanced Regulations and Compliance
The Ministry is also committed to improving the standards for storing and distributing medicines, including narcotics and psychotropic drugs. Alongside, efforts are being made to develop unified procedures to ensure compliance with inventory control regulations.
Updating Decrees: Clearer Paths for Compliance
In an effort to ensure safer pharmaceutical practices, the Ministry is set to revise existing decrees. The objective is to clearly outline the conditions and requirements for hospital and community pharmacies to obtain authorization from the Ministry of Health. This step is crucial in maintaining stringent controls over drug distribution and preventing misuse.
A United Front Against Fentanyl
The Ministry’s multifaceted strategy against the fentanyl crisis is a testament to Costa Rica’s commitment to public health and safety. By combining education, regulation, technology, and awareness, the country is setting a precedent in tackling drug abuse and its associated risks.
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