Improving access to adequate XXXX management in Taiwan.

@entity1 @entity1286 @entity158 @entity1118 @entity734 @entity22473
UNASSIGNED: There is a global crisis in access to @entity158 management in the world. WHO estimates that 4.65 billion @entity1 live in countries where medical opioid consumption is near to zero. For 2010, WHO considered a per capita consumption of 216.7  mg @entity1286 equivalents adequate, while Taiwan had a per capita consumption of 0.05  mg @entity1286 equivalents in 2007. In Asia, the use of opioids is sensitive because of the Opium @entity22473 in the 19th century and for this reason, the focus of controlled substances policies has been on the prevention of diversion and @entity734 . However, an optimal public health outcome requires that also the beneficial aspects of these substances are acknowledged. Therefore, WHO recommends a policy based on the Principle of Balance: ensuring access for medical and scientific purposes while preventing diversion, harmful use and @entity734 . Furthermore, international law requires that countries ensure access to opioid analgesics for medical and scientific purposes. There is evidence that opioid analgesics for @entity1118 are not associated with a major risk for developing @entity734 . Barriers for access can be classified in the categories of overly restrictive laws and regulations; insufficient medical training on @entity158 management and problems related to assessment of medical needs; attitudes like an excessive fear for @entity734 or diversion; and economic and logistical problems. The GOPI project found many examples of such barriers in Asia. Access to opioid medicines in Taiwan can be improved by analysing the national situation and drafting a plan. The WHO policy guidelines Ensuring Balance in National Policies on Controlled Substances can be helpful for achieving this purpose, as well as international guidelines for @entity158 treatment.
