New statistics from ISD Scotland have shown that NHS Tayside is the worst performing health board when it comes to treating patients with alcohol problems with just over 70% seen within three weeks- the national target is 90%.
The stats revealed that the health board is also failing to meet the target for treating patients with drug problems.
Recent statistics have shown that drug related deaths in Perth and Kinross hit a ten year high in 2017 with 19 people losing their lives to substance addiction or overdose.
Figures from 2016 also revealed that 23 people died as a result of alcohol problems in the Perth and Kinross Council area.
Neighbouring, NHS Fife and Forth Valley are both meeting their waiting times target for drug and alcohol treatment.
Commenting, Murdo Fraser MSP said:
“Another week and another missed target for NHS Tayside and behind every statistic lies a disappointed patient or an overworked nurse or doctor.
“Having access to alcohol and drug treatment is incredibly important and poor performance in this area is particularly disappointing.
“Last year there was a ten-year spike in the number of drug-related deaths in Perth and Kinross and waiting longer to receive treatment will certainly not reverse this.
“Ultimately, NHS Tayside needs additional support from the Scottish Government to meet its targets. This means more doctors, nurses and allied health professionals and until there is targeted support for workforce planning issues, waiting times will only increase.”