Access to potentially life-saving naloxone kits, which reverse the effects of an opioid overdose, is being expanded to community pharmacies across Scotland.

All community pharmacies will now hold at least two naloxone kits - either a nasal spray or injectable.

The Emergency Access Naloxone Scheme, which is backed by £300,000 of Scottish Government funding, began on 30 October 2023.

Commenting, MSP for Renfrewshire North and West, Natalie Don, said:

“Through the Scottish Government’s National Mission to reduce drug deaths and harms, they have invested more than £3 million in widening access to Naloxone, including through our emergency services.

“Police Scotland recently completed a force-wide rollout to 12,500 officers who have used the kits more than 300 times and, according to the most recent statistics, 70% of those who are at risk of opioid overdose are being provided with a lifesaving kit.

“However, the Government wants to do even more. This new nationwide service is a welcome addition to existing services here in Renfrewshire. It provides a substantial increase life-saving emergency access and I’m grateful to all those in community pharmacies who are supporting our £250 million National Mission to reduce drug deaths.

“The Scottish Government will also continue to focus on getting more people into the form of treatment and support they need, expand access to residential rehabilitation and drive the rollout of life-saving Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) Standards where we are making significant progress.”