Scottish Conservative MSP Liz Smith has expressed her concerns at an increase in drug-related deaths in Fife and has called on the SNP Government to address the issue.
The politician was reacting to figures released by the National Records of Scotland, which show that the number of drug-related deaths in NHS Fife increased from 64 in 2018 to 81 last year – the highest this figure has been for a decade.
A total of 32 drug-related deaths were recorded in 2009 in Fife.
Commenting, Liz Smith, who represents the Mid Scotland and Fife, said: “These figures for drug-related deaths in Fife are very concerning. This increase has arisen under the watch of the SNP Government.
“I must express my sympathy to all the families involved here who have lost loved ones. However, the SNP Government have made matters worse by cutting rehab beds and slashing drug addiction programme funding – this has had the tragic effect that Ministers were warned about.
“I would call on the SNP Government to establish a £20 million Scottish recovery fund to help address the issue. The Scottish Conservatives have proposed this fund, stating it is needed to replace the cuts to the rehabilitation programmes and also the impact of the pandemic.
“The plan, which has been backed by rehab and recovery groups, would help to save lives.”