**Georgia Cracks Down on Misuse of Psychotropic Medications**
In a bid to curb the widespread misuse of psychotropic medications, particularly benzodiazepines, in Georgia, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has announced a crackdown on private companies importing these drugs. The move is aimed at reducing the non-medical use of these substances and ensuring they are only used for their intended medical purposes.
According to statistics, the consumption of psychotropic medications in Georgia far exceeds reasonable levels, leading many to suspect that these substances are being misused on a large scale. To address this issue, the government has decided to ban private companies from importing psychotropic medications altogether. This means that the import and sale of such products will be the exclusive domain of the state.
The Prime Minister emphasized that the current system allows private entities to have an interest in promoting the consumption of psychotropic medications for non-medical purposes. By prohibiting private companies from importing these substances, the government hopes to eliminate this practice and ensure that they are only used as prescribed by medical professionals.
In addition to banning private imports, the government will also establish strict control over the prescription and dispensing of psychotropic medications. This includes monitoring the statistics of their use and implementing measures to prevent misuse. The Prime Minister stated that a significant decrease in the use of these substances would be seen as evidence that the state has successfully prevented their misuse.
This move is a welcome step towards addressing the issue of psychotropic medication misuse in Georgia. By taking control of the import and sale of these substances, the government can better regulate their use and ensure they are only used for legitimate medical purposes. As the Prime Minister noted, the ultimate goal is to prevent the non-medical use of these substances and protect public health.
**What does this mean for Georgians?**
The ban on private imports of psychotropic medications may have significant implications for individuals who rely on these substances for legitimate medical reasons. While the government’s move aims to curb misuse, it also raises concerns about access to essential medications for those who need them. It remains to be seen how the new system will be implemented and what measures will be put in place to ensure that those who genuinely require psychotropic medications can still access them.
Read More @ www.interpressnews.ge
