FILE - If Naloxone is free, why not diabetes, asthma or anti-allergy medication? A Regional District of Okanagan SImilkameen Board of Directors resolution will make that pitch to the province, if approved at this week's board meeting.
Image Credit: AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli, File
February 14, 2018 - 4:30 PM
PENTICTON - The current fentanyl overdose crisis gripping British Columbia resulted in the province offering free Naloxone kits to help reverse overdoses and prevent deaths amongst the province’s addicts.
But what about other people who have to pay out of pocket for life-saving drugs like Epipens for allergy sufferers or insulin for diabetics?
Some politicians in the South Okanagan are openly suggesting the province should pay for those medicines too and they may soon seek support from their neighbours.
Each year, municipalities begin drafting potential policy issues they share with other municipalities at a gathering of municipal politicians called the Southern Interior Local Government Association. If they all agree, it can lend clout and credibility when taking those issues to the provincial government. The Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen will consider tomorrow, Feb. 15, if they will bring that idea to the wider group in April.
“Allergic reactions, asthma and type 1 diabetes create a hardship for families that must choose between meeting their basic needs and paying for these lifesaving medications,” the resolution asserts.
It also notes "Naloxone and other drug overdose reversing medications are covered free of charge by the Province."
If approved, the directors would resolve to request the province develop an equitable system which would make all medications which could halt impending death available, free of charge.
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