Availability of Internationally Controlled Drugs: Ensuring Adequate Access for Medical and Scientific Purposes
Indispensable and adequately available for medical and scientific purposes: those two fundamental principles were set forth in the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs of 1961 as amended by the 1972 Protocol. Later, psychotropic substances were also recognized as being indispensable for medical and scientific purposes. In the Convention on Psychotropic Substances of 1971, Parties further recognized that the availability of such substances should not be unduly restricted.
The present supplement to the annual report of the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) for 2015 analyses global access to narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. It also reviews patterns and trends relating to consumption, as well as information provided by Member States on the policies and practices at the country level for ensuring the availability of these controlled substances, and the impediments thereto.
The 1961 and 1971 Conventions indicate the primary interest of the international community in protecting the health and welfare of humankind by making these indispensable substances available for medical and scientific purposes while ensuring that there is no diversion or abuse. The conventions established a control regime to serve this dual purpose. After several decades since their entry into force, this essential element of the conventions is far from being achieved globally. The importance of making these substances available for those who need them is also highlighted in international human rights instruments and in a series of resolutions of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs, the World Health Assembly and regional intergovernmental organizations.