The Opioid Crisis in Calgary, Canada: Efforts to Combat the Challenge

A cancer doctor’s notable achievements in aiding patients’ swift post-operative recovery

While the broader Canadian narrative has been blighted by the issue of opioid addiction and its ensuing calamity, I want to draw your attention to a noteworthy story from Calgary. It revolves around Dr. Paul Schembri, a Calgary-based cancer doctor who recently bagged an award for his relentless work promoting faster recovery for patients post-surgery. [Read More Here]

The Opioid Crisis in Calgary: A Brief Overview

When we broach the subject of opioids in the Calgary opioid crisis , it brings to the fore some grave concerns. The opioid crisis in Calgary has resulted in a surge in societal issues such as homelessness and crime. As a consequence, the local authorities, behavioural health professionals, civic leaders, public health institutions and citizens have had to grapple with the menace.

Key Points

• The Canadian opioid crisis has contributed significantly to an increased rate of societal issues such as homelessness.
• In Calgary, the opioid crisis has resulted in a surge in crime.
• Civic and community leaders have made concerted efforts to fight against the opioid crisis which is highly commendable.

Battling the Crisis: Triumphs Amid Adversities

Despite the grim situation, there’s demonstrated commitment and steadfastness in stemming the crisis. Among the remarkable strides is the suit powered by the Canadian opioid abatement class action. This effort is to compel manufacturers and distributors of opioids to shoulder financial responsibility for public healthcare costs incurred as a result of the opioid crisis.

Another commendable initiative is the distribution of naloxone, a medication designed to rapidly reverse opioid overdose. This intervention, instituted by public health authorities, is a significant step in the fight against the opioid crisis in Calgary and beyond.

Dr. Paul Schembri’s Approach: A Potential Panacea

Interestingly, the recent strides made by Dr. Schembri offer a noteworthy departure from ingesting opioid medications. His approach of ‘Enhanced Recovery After Surgery’ – favouring local anesthetic over general wherever possible, getting patients up and eating as quickly as possible, and focus on prehabilitation instead of rehabilitation, has led to remarkably faster recovery times with fewer complications. Consequently, it eliminates the need for opioid drugs which are often a key contributor to prolonged hospital stay and potential dependency.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the opioid crisis in Calgary and across Canada is a pressing issue, concerted efforts by all stakeholders, indicate a beacon of hope that the tide can be turned. From the endeavors like the Canadian opioid abatement class action to individuals like Dr. Schembri, pushing the boundaries in patient care, these efforts go a long way in mitigating the impact of the opioid crisis.

In the light of these remarkable efforts, it is imperative that other regions grappling with similar crisis not only learn, but also tap these ideas, closely working with professionals, citizens and leaders to ensure a decline in opioid usage, homelessness and crime. It is a collective fight that needs a multipartite commitment with innovative thinking and methods, like those of Dr. Schembri, to win the battle against this dreadful crisis.