OxyContin is a powerful and potentially addictive painkiller. As has been noted in a number of other news reports, abuse of this drug is a Canada-wide problem.
A crisis is declared
In November of 2009, the Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN), which represents 49 First Nations in northern Ontario (a population of about 45,000 people) declared a "Prescription Drug Abuse State of Emergency."
This resolution notes that prescription drug abuse, particularly of opioids like OxyContin, is an escalating crisis and calls upon both levels of government to immediately enhance community-based programming to deal with it.
By September of 2011, policing and addictions were stretched to the breaking point in many NAN communities and the response from provincial and federal governments is described by NAN as "minimal."
Another First Nations crisis ignored.
Responsibility for health-care services
In Canada, most people access health-care services through provincial programs and infrastructure. Status Indians and "recognized" Inuit are a federal responsibility when it comes to health care.
Health Canada provides First Nations and Inuit with "a limited range of medically necessary health-related goods and services to which these individuals are not entitled through other plans and programs."
Under this Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) program, certain prescription and over-the-counter drugs are covered (paid for) if the patient does not have private insurance. Only drugs on the NIHB Drug Benefits List are eligible for this coverage.
A crisis is declared
In November of 2009, the Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN), which represents 49 First Nations in northern Ontario (a population of about 45,000 people) declared a "Prescription Drug Abuse State of Emergency."
This resolution notes that prescription drug abuse, particularly of opioids like OxyContin, is an escalating crisis and calls upon both levels of government to immediately enhance community-based programming to deal with it.
By September of 2011, policing and addictions were stretched to the breaking point in many NAN communities and the response from provincial and federal governments is described by NAN as "minimal."
Another First Nations crisis ignored.
Responsibility for health-care services
In Canada, most people access health-care services through provincial programs and infrastructure. Status Indians and "recognized" Inuit are a federal responsibility when it comes to health care.
Health Canada provides First Nations and Inuit with "a limited range of medically necessary health-related goods and services to which these individuals are not entitled through other plans and programs."
Under this Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) program, certain prescription and over-the-counter drugs are covered (paid for) if the patient does not have private insurance. Only drugs on the NIHB Drug Benefits List are eligible for this coverage.