But doctors fear a new red flag system designed to prevent "doctor shopping" for prescription medication could put further strain on Victoria's already stretched health system.
While health experts have universally praised the initiative as a way to prevent accidental overdoses and detect patients with dangerous addictions, Victoria's peak medical body has also warned of a major shortage of drug support services.The Australian Medical Association's Victorian president Julian Rait called for urgent investment into specialised pain management and opiate replacement therapy for patients at risk, saying it was the missing link in the system.
"One thing we know is that often there can be a lack of knowledge and skills [among doctors] in terms of managing pain and addiction in patients," he said. "Greater support is needed in this space ... what’s really needed is a comprehensive system of training for health practitioners." "As we become much more aware of what medication people are taking we must ensure there is appropriate support in place for that population," Professor Lubham said. "We need to ensure everybody in need has access to high quality care."
GPs concerned about patient welfare can access an advice line of specialists, but Dr Loy conceded more support was needed.