Pubdate: Fri, 19 Sep 2008 Source: Vancouver Courier (CN BC) Copyright: 2008 Vancouver Courier Contact: http://www.vancourier.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/474 Authors: Dr. K. Stancer, Dr. J.Yang, Dr. J. Melamed, Dr. Mark Viljoen Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v08/n842/a07.html 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. - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin