Pubdate: Wed,  5 Mar 2003
Source: New Zealand Herald (New Zealand)
Copyright: 2003 New Zealand Herald
Contact:  http://www.nzherald.co.nz/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/300

SWISS LAWMAKERS VOTE TO CONTINUE PRESCRIPTION HEROIN

Lawmakers have voted to extend Switzerland's pioneering programme to 
provide heroin to severely addicted people.

The National Council voted 110-42 to extend the programme until the end of 
2009, rejecting an attempt by right-of-centre parties to end it.

The Swiss Government maintains the heroin programme brings health gains and 
reduces crime and death associated with the drug scene.

Some 1300 drug addicts, averaging about 33 years in age, benefit from the 
legal prescription of heroin under medical control.

Switzerland's experiment with drug distribution began in 1994 with the 
first government-authorised distribution of heroin, morphine and methadone 
in the world.
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