§ 26. Mr. Clifton-BrownTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many registered drug-user patients are being supplied diamorphine (heroin) on the NHS; and what is the total cost. [131878]
§ Mr. DenhamDiamorphine, in the treatment of drug addiction, is used as part of a maintenance regime in a very small minority of patients, who are generally the most difficult cases. The Misuse of Drugs (Supply to Addicts) Regulations 1997 require that only medical practitioners who hold a special licence issued by the Home Secretary may prescribe, administer or supply diamorphine in the treatment of drug addiction; other practitioners must refer any addict who requires these drugs to a treatment centre.
Diamorphine is also used for analgesia in palliative care. General practitioners and other doctors may prescribe diamorphine for patients (including addicts) for relief of pain without a special licence.
The total cost of diamorphine treatment for drug addiction cannot be calculated accurately as data are not collected centrally which link prescription to diagnosis.