The Royal College of Pharmacy has called on the Scottish Government to do more to tackle the rise in the number of drug abuse deaths.
Figures published by National Records for Scotland revealed an 11% increase in deaths compared to 2024.
Responding to the latest national figures, the College re-stated its commitment to working with Scottish Government and partners to reduce harm from drugs and drug deaths.
In 2021 the College published a report, ‘Pharmacy’s role in reducing harm and preventing drug deaths’, making 14 recommendations which have been partially implemented by Scottish Government.
Key recommendations included that all pharmacists should have access to shared patient records to enhance patient safety, and better management of patient transitions between care settings, which have not yet been addressed.
Following the new figures, the College would welcome immediate discussions with Scottish Government and partners to consider what further national policy changes are required, and how they could be practically implemented on the ground to save lives.
Laura Wilson, Director for Scotland at the Royal College of Pharmacy said: “Every death from drug misuse is a tragedy for the individual as well as family, friends, and their wider community. We are shocked to see such an increase in drug related deaths.
“We are committed to working with Scottish government and partners to reverse this trend.
“Nitazenes and other synthetic opioids being mixed with existing drugs are causing serious harm, and this could be a significant factor which explains the rise in drug deaths.
“We stand ready to work with Scottish Government and all other partners to ensure that our recommendations are implemented in full.”
