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Jerusalem – In a significant move to curb opioid misuse and prevent addiction, the Health Ministry has announced a series of stringent regulations aimed at enhancing oversight on opioid prescriptions and distribution.
The new measures, which were approved this week by the Knesset’s Health Committee, introduce digital tracking systems and stricter prescription controls.
Health Committee Chairman MK Yoni Mashriki emphasized that the initiative is a necessary step in addressing the growing concerns over opioid dependency in Israel.
“We are taking decisive action to ensure that opioids are prescribed responsibly while preventing abuse and addiction,” Mashriki stated.
One of the key changes introduced under the new regulations is a shift to electronic prescriptions, which will replace traditional paper scripts.
This move is expected to significantly reduce the risk of unwarranted opioid distribution and prescription fraud. By digitizing the process, authorities will have greater control over monitoring the prescription and dispensing of controlled substances.
Additionally, a new digital pharmacy system will be implemented to track the distribution of opioids across the country. This system will allow real-time monitoring of opioid transactions, ensuring that prescriptions are not duplicated or exploited.
Pharmacists will be required to check the system before dispensing opioid medications to prevent double-dispensing and ensure compliance with regulations.
Further reinforcing oversight, pharmacies will now be mandated to report all opioid prescriptions to health management organizations (HMOs).
This measure will create an additional layer of accountability, allowing healthcare providers to closely monitor patients receiving opioid treatments and intervene if signs of dependency or misuse emerge.
The new regulations align with Israel’s broader efforts to address the opioid crisis, which has been a growing concern in recent years.
While Israel’s opioid crisis has not reached the levels seen in countries like the United States, health experts warn that without proper safeguards, opioid misuse could escalate rapidly.
The Health Ministry has been working in collaboration with medical professionals and addiction specialists to develop policies that balance pain management with the need to prevent addiction.
Dr. Shira Cohen, an addiction specialist at Hadassah Medical Center, welcomed the new measures, stating that they will help prevent unnecessary opioid use.
“These regulations will ensure that opioids are only prescribed when absolutely necessary and that those who require them are closely monitored,” Cohen said. “The digital tracking system is a game-changer in preventing overprescription and ensuring patient safety.”
However, some critics argue that the new restrictions could make it harder for patients who genuinely need opioid pain relief to access their medications.
They warn that excessive bureaucracy and limitations might leave chronic pain sufferers without adequate treatment options.
In response, the Health Ministry assured that exceptions will be made for patients with severe conditions requiring opioid therapy, but with added scrutiny to prevent misuse.
The implementation of these regulations marks a crucial step in Israel’s fight against opioid addiction. With stricter oversight and enhanced digital tracking, authorities aim to strike a balance between providing necessary pain relief and curbing the potential for opioid abuse.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members