No to Distribution of Syringa in Prisons -TNP

29.07.2010 - Oslo

No to Distribution of Syringa in Prisons

Health and Care Services has decided to say no to the proposal from the Directorate of Health to distribute sterile syringas to addicts in prisons. In the round of consultation,both Public Health and prison health care directorate approached to the proposal negatively.

Photo: Kuebi- Armin Kübelbeck(galerie.best4sports.de) | THe proposal had supporters from both National Health and Medical Association , and Institute of Public Health and it was argued that distribution of syringas to the prisoned addicts prevents diseases such as HIV and Hepatit B.

Opponents of the proposal stated that there is no need for changing current practice , as there are very few recorded cases of HIV infection and hepatitis B in prisons.

- In addition, we have put emphasis on employee safety, the goal of drug- free prisons and the ban on the use of drugs. We fear that the distribution of syringas would undermine the important work in prison health services do to motivate abstinence , " said Secretary of State.