Ensuring availability of controlled medications for the relief of pain and preventing diversion and abuse: Striking the right balance to achieve the optimal public health outcome

5. The Commission recalled the recognition of parties to the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs 1961 as amended by the 1972 Protocol5 that the medical use of narcotic drugs continued to be indispensable for the relief of pain and suffering and that adequate provision must be made to ensure their availability for such purposes. It recalled also the recognition of parties to the Convention on Psychotropic Substances 19716 that the use of psychotropic substances for medical and scientific purposes is indispensable and that their availability for such purposes should not be unduly restricted.

6. The rational use of controlled medicines — i.e. medicines controlled under the international drug treaties — is essential to health. Their rational prescription and administration are essential aspects of good medical practice for pain treatment and other clinical interventions.