Gov. LePage’s decision to veto a bill allowing pharmacies to provide access, without prescription, to naloxone (Narcan) is very disturbing. As an emergency department physician assistant, I have seen opiate-overdose patients – accidental and deliberate – fortunately survive because of access and intervention by EMS, with the use of Narcan. For some, it was a wake-up call and life-altering.
Providing health care, aside from trying to diagnose and alleviate illness and pain, subscribes to an unspoken philosophy of optimism and hope.
Gov. LePage’s comment “Naloxone does not truly save lives; it merely extends them until the next overdose” can, perhaps, be extended to other aspects of health care.
I have treated diabetic patients who don’t monitor their illness well. Let’s stop offering treatment for poor control of their blood sugars and the associated complications of diabetes (infections, visual loss, cardiac complications, etc.).
How about the smoker who develops chronic lung disease and infections? We should just withhold inhalers, steroids and antibiotics.
Perhaps the individual with heart disease who continues to smoke, not exercise, gains weight, etc.: Why try to help them extend their lives? What about the obese individual who just can’t manage to get that weight down: forget counseling, diet recommendations and possible surgery?
Medicine is not meant to be punitive. Gov. LePage’s viewpoint and use of his executive position have no place with regards to this critical issue.
It would serve him well to listen to individuals such as Dr. Mark Publicker and York Police Chief Douglas Bracy, who have experience and knowledge, to guide him on his decision making about expanding Narcan access. Perhaps visiting detox programs might help enlighten him as well.
Rob Boudewijn
Portland
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