DRUG experts say a shortage of GPs in Wyndham who are willing to prescribe methadone for heroin addicts could lead to more overdoses.
New figures from the Health Department show the number of addicts placed on drug replacement programs like methadone has increased about 30 per cent in Wyndham over five years. Statewide, more than 14,000 users are receiving drug replacement therapy, working to limit the harm of heroin and other drug addictions.
But the Victorian Alcohol and Drug Association says growth areas like Wyndham have not had a “commensurate increase” in the number of GPs willing to prescribe the opiate-based heroin replacement.
Five GPs are prescribing methadone in the City of Wyndham, according to a 2010 audit.
VAADA executive director Sam Biondo said Melbourne’s outer-west was “behind the eight-ball” in substance treatment and support.
“For people living in rapidly growing areas like Werribee, additional pressure is put on the few service providers who choose to opt in, because they get such large demand.”
Watton Street pharmacist Greg Meaghan, who dispenses methadone to about 85 people a day, said the shortage of prescribing GPs in Werribee meant drug-dependent patients were at risk of reverting if they missed an appointment or had a falling out with their doctor.
“Some private GPs here might take on a couple of people, but for most of our clients, the closest GP is Altona Meadows,” he said.
Mr Meaghan believed many doctors were reluctant to prescribe methadone because drug-dependant patients could be aggressive.
Harm Reduction Victoria executive officer Jenny Kelsall said the consequences of inadequate methadone provision included more overdoses and HIV and hepatitis C infections.
Mental Health Minister Mary Wooldridge said the state government had announced $11 million to open withdrawal beds, aimed at weaning addicts off high doses of methadone, and extra training to increase providers.
