Intended to combat the damage caused by opioid addiction
Willum Þór Þórsson, Minister of Health, has confirmed an addendum to the agreement between the Icelandic Health Insurance and SÁÁ regarding expedited services for individuals with addiction issues and early intervention for those with severe opioid addiction. The agreement was signed today at the hospital in Vogi.
Willum Þór states that a very important milestone is contained in this contractual addendum, which includes increased services and improved access:
“In addition to increasing maintenance treatments, it is gratifying to see the expedited reception come to fruition, collaboration between the institutions, Landspítali and SÁÁ for those in urgent need of admission or treatment.”
The addendum includes additional services that healthcare institutions can refer to, thereby increasing access to essential treatment to ensure timely access. It is part of a move to shorten the waiting time for services while also increasing access to relevant resources following a professional assessment of treatment needs. In this way, continuity between service levels in healthcare can be created and cooperation with other service providers can be enhanced. It is intended that the addendum agreement will be part of a new comprehensive agreement regarding SÁÁ services aimed at coming into effect by the new year.
The agreement is part of governmental measures to counter the harm caused by opioid addiction that were approved in the cabinet. It was specifically proposed that a rapid reception be developed to ensure that individuals in acute distress have access to evidence-based healthcare services such as withdrawal treatment, substance abuse treatment, or maintenance treatment that meets their needs.
Increased services
Referrals to the service will go through a special channel within SÁÁ, with a professional assessment of need and access to the appropriate level of service. Furthermore, the addendum enables SÁÁ to increase services for individuals with opioid addiction and it is anticipated that up to 450 individuals will have access to medication treatment for opioid addiction annually in outpatient care. Sigurður H. Helgason, CEO of the Icelandic Health Insurance, welcomes this additional step that has now been taken “It is primarily gratifying that this group receives more robust services and support that has long been awaited.” This is echoed by Anna Hildur Guðmundsdóttir, chair of SÁÁ, who adds that it will further strengthen SÁÁ's services. “This addendum enables us to further strengthen our work and increase services. We gain better insight into the need for treatment at all levels and how it manifests in the healthcare system, while also increasing transparency regarding how we are meeting this need in good cooperation with the Icelandic Health Insurance and healthcare authorities.”
Part of governmental measures
Extensive policy-making is underway in the Ministry of Health in this area, and a working group is actively updating the overall policy on alcohol and drug prevention. This policy will cover prevention, treatment options, follow-up treatment, rehabilitation, and the legal context. Emphasis is placed on ensuring that the policy addresses the varying needs of groups in relation to treatment for addiction disorders.
Alongside the work of the working group, an evaluation and mapping of the existing healthcare services available today for people who require treatment or rehabilitation due to substance abuse issues is being undertaken. This work will support future policy-making in the area.
Source: stjr.is
