The Morphine Control Measures for Health Establishments

Abstract

            Morphine, an opioid analgesic is a derivative of opium.  It is widely used within medical settings due to its painkilling ability.  Nevertheless, its application is strictly restricted in order to prevent abuse of addiction, since the substance’s legal status is categorized as a narcotic drug.  This article is a documentary research, with the objective to study the problems of morphine control in health establishments.  Related documents, textbooks, academic journals, research papers, and other academic materials in electronic formats, both in Thai and English languages, are included for literature review.  This article proposes recommendations on proper morphine control measures for health establishments.

            The study found that problems of morphine control in health establishments included storage and dispensation. which could lead to smuggling or abuse.  Secondly, there were problems with types and quantity of available morphine in stocks, since it was not possible to keep stocks of all types, and in too much quantity, due to restrictions.  Thirdly, transferring of morphine between health establishments was prohibited, because of the substance’s legal status.

            Recommendations were as followed: 1) Separation and secured storage of morphine, guarded by designated staff with record of time log, of access and dispensation; 2) Indicate clearly of authorized personnel for morphine dispensation, such as physicians, dentists, veterinarians, etc.  3) Keeping morphine at a lower quantity in stocks and procurement, in case If a health establishment was unable to store all necessary types of morphine.  4) Permission for health establishments to use patients’ medical prescriptions for narcotic-drug dispensation from other health establishments, as an alternative for morphine transfer restriction.