The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 268 No 7185 p197-203
16 February 2002

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Barking and Havering health community (www.barkinghaveringhealth.nhs.uk)

Barking pharmacists give out citric acid and ask Minister for water

Pharmacists in Barking and Havering Health Authority are handing out single-use sachets of citric acid to drug misusers as part of an approved local scheme. They have asked Health Minister Hazel Blears to let them hand out injectable water too.

Surinder Kalsi, of Kalsi Pharmacy, Barking, one of eight pharmacies taking part in the scheme, explained that drug misusers were issued with packs containing syringes, needles, swabs, condoms and information leaflets. With the approval of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society's professional standards department, local police and public health officers, the packs also contain 10 single-use sachets of citric acid.

Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health Hazel Blears was told about the scheme during her visit to Barking and Havering on 12 February. Mr Kalsi said that the Minister had been asked if a Parliamentary Order could be laid allowing water for injections, which is a prescription only medicine, to be included in the packs. The Minister said that she would give this consideration.

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