Naloxone can rapidly reverse the effects of an opioid overdose and restore normal breathing, making timely access to the medicine crucial when a person’s life may be hanging in the balance. Its free availability at Government health facilities is expected to strengthen efforts to ensure that life saving assistance reaches those in need without delay.
TFM Desk
As the world observes International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) on August 31, the Director of Health Services, Government of Manipur, has informed that Naloxone, a life saving medicine used to reverse opioid overdoses, is now available free of cost at all Government health facilities across the State.
This year’s International Overdose Awareness Day is being observed under the theme, “25 Years On. Still Needed,” reminding communities across the world that overdose continues to claim lives and that timely intervention, awareness and access to life saving treatment remain critically important.
The Director of Health Services, Dr. N. Hemantakumar Singh has informed that Naloxone is available at Primary Health Centres (PHCs), Community Health Centres (CHCs), Urban Health Centres (UHCs), District Hospitals and other Government hospitals across Manipur.
Naloxone can rapidly reverse the effects of an opioid overdose and restore normal breathing, making timely access to the medicine crucial when a person’s life may be hanging in the balance. Its free availability at Government health facilities is expected to strengthen efforts to ensure that life saving assistance reaches those in need without delay.
The Director of Health Services has appealed to the public and all concerned to use Naloxone promptly, appropriately and responsibly whenever required. At the same time, he has strongly cautioned against its misuse, misappropriation or malpractice for personal or financial gain. Any person found indulging in such practices may face legal action and punishment under the law.
The Director’s message carries a simple but powerful reminder that Naloxone is not a commodity for personal gain, but a life saving medicine meant to be available when someone is fighting for their life. Its proper and judicious use can prevent a tragedy, save a precious life and spare a family from the pain of losing a loved one.
Every life matters. Let us use this life saving medicine wisely, responsibly and judiciously. When an overdose strikes, timely action can mean the difference between life and death. One dose can save a life, and one life saved can mean everything to a family.
What is Naloxone?
Naloxone is a safe medicine that rapidly reverses an opioid overdose. It can restore normal breathing within minutes. It is an opioid antagonist. It attaches tightly to opioid receptors in the brain and pushes opioids like heroin or fentanyl off those receptors. It blocks the harmful effects and helps the person breathe normally again.
Naloxone is available as an easy-to-use nasal spray or an injection. Can be given safely by family, friends, or bystanders. It works only if opioids are in the body; it does nothing if no opioids are present. Naloxone is non-addictive and cannot be abused. Its effects last for 30 to 90 minutes. The overdose can return when naloxone wears off, one must call emergency services right away.