A WEST of Scotland MSP has hit out at cuts to frontline addiction services in Inverclyde.
Jamie Greene warns that more has to be done to tackle rising drug-related deaths.
He said: "The increase in drug-related deaths in Inverclyde is very alarming and my thoughts are with the loved ones of those who have passed away as a result of drugs.
“Scotland’s drug death rate is considerably higher than other parts of the UK and the highest in Europe, which ought serve as a shameful legacy.
“In Inverclyde we have the third highest drug-related death rate in Scotland, almost four times higher than comparable rates in England, with the situation getting worse, not better.
“The Scottish Government should be majorly concerned by these figures.
"Whilst there is no overnight solution to this longstanding problem, these regional variations in drug death levels clearly shows that a one size fits all approach to tackling the issue is simply not working."
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