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As other countries move to restrict access to opioid drugs, New Zealand regulators have loosened the rules on how much can be prescribed at once. An amendment in November to the Misuse of Drugs Regulations would allow for three months' worth of the pain drugs to be prescribed, up from one months' worth.
That's alarmed some medical professionals, who say they weren't fully consulted on the changes and it could increase the risk of harm and addiction.
Kathryn speaks to former Royal College of GPs medical director, now Chair of General Practice New Zealand Bryan Betty about the pressure doctors can come under from patients over access to the drugs.
Photo: 123RF/Steve Heap 2016