Colombia's new law recognizes drug addiction as public health issue .
Source: Colombia Reports
Colombia's new law recognizes drug addiction as public health issue .
Wednesday, 01 August 2012 07:46 Adriaan Alsema
Colombia's President Juan Manuel Santos has ratified a law deeming drug addiction a public health issue rather than a crime, local media reported Tuesday.
The newly-enacted bill recognizes "the consumption and abuse of, or addiction to, psychoactive substances, legal or illegal, as a matter of public health and the well-being of family, community and individuals."
According to Liberal Party Senator Juan Manuel Galan, Law 1566 recognizes drug addiction as an "illness" and "guarantees (...) treatment."
With the new law in place, health insurance companies are obliged to cover the voluntary treatment of drug addicts. Until Tuesday, addicts could only obtain financial resources for treatment through legal action.
Read more: http://colombiareports.com/colombia-news/news/25353-colombias-new-law-recognizes-drug-addiction-as-public-health-issue.html
MindMover
(5,016 posts)Comrade Grumpy
(13,184 posts)Colombia is by no means alone.
Duer 157099
(17,742 posts)It seems so obvious.
SoapBox
(18,791 posts)We're too busy with our "war" on drugs!?!?!
Chemisse
(30,817 posts)Too bad the US would never do it.
Uncle Joe
(58,417 posts)Thanks for the thread, Judi Lynn.