Statement on government legal action against pharmaceutical companies

The New Brunswick Medical Society is pleased to see the provincial government considering legal action against pharmaceutical companies and distributors for their role in the opioids crisis. Opioids are important therapeutic tools and serve legitimate purposes, but they need to be prescribed in an appropriate manner, with appropriate assessment and part of an overall therapeutic strategy. The role of the government is therefore to make every effort to ensure responsible prescribing, distribution and use of these drugs, protecting NB families from the irreparable damage. We encourage New Brunswickers to take an active role in their health care by discussing their pain medications with their physicians and understanding the risks before taking them.

Dr. Dharm Singh, President, New Brunswick Medical Society