Despite the undeniable necessity of some substances controlled under the international drug conventions, especially in pain management and palliative care, numerous barriers prevent equitable access worldwide. These barriers include strict regulatory frameworks, education for health professionals, limited funding, and the stigmatisation of their use, leading to preventable suffering for millions of patients worldwide. As junior doctors, we play a crucial role in improving access to controlled medicines at a local, national, and international level through rational prescribing practices, raising awareness among peers and patients, as well as shaping strategies to tackle this issue. Health professionals must navigate the delicate balance between achieving the desired therapeutic objectives while addressing the risks of dependence, and overcoming overly restrictive or excessively tolerant regulations, diversion and non-medical use.
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Given the key role that doctors play in rational prescribing, recognising signs of dependency, contributing to patient monitoring, improving communication, and promoting awareness we call upon action to:
Acknowledge the unique position of junior doctors in navigating the complexities of narcotic drugs, and highlight the need for creating and maintaining platforms, spaces, and funding for exchanging best practices and collaborating in new initiatives inside healthcare networks already existing with support from Member States and other stakeholders.
