Since the 90’s, Harm Reduction International’s international harm reduction conferences have been attended by thousands of delegates from a wide range of backgrounds. As such, Harm Reduction International is keen to ensure that they provide and facilitate appropriate care for delegates who may have special medical and healthcare needs - especially delegates who use, or have used drugs. In order to do this, a Medical Committee is appointed each year consisting of local and international healthcare professionals and drug user activists.
Information for All Delegates
- All conference delegates should arrange their own health and travel insurance in advance of their trip to Lithuania and should ensure that they have the appropriate documentation with them at the conference.
- All conference delegates who are undergoing any kind of medical treatment should bring their own medication in sufficient quantities to cover their treatment for the duration that they are in Lithuania.
- In addition to this, all conference delegates undergoing any kind of medical treatment should bring a medical record from their doctor - (written in English), specifying their condition and the treatment they are taking. This will make things much easier in the event of unexpected circumstances - (such as medication being mislaid or the need for urgent medical care).
- An information leaflet for delegates (detailing all local services) will be made available nearer the time.
Services Available
- OST where this has been pre-arranged and only for those who are unable to export substitute medication due to the laws of their country.
- Harm reduction services.
- Primary healthcare assessment in relation to acute problems and basic medical treatment.
- Referral on to specialist services as required.
OST – Availability, Import and Export
Whilst OST can be arranged this will only be prescribed where the individual is unable to export their medication. This must be arranged well in advance of the conference and you should contact the Medical and Healthcare Services Coordinator: Gill Bradbury as soon as possible if you are likely to require drug treatment in Vilnius.
This treatment will be subject to a small fee, payable to the Vilnius Centre for Addictive Disorders. The full details of such costs and any funding arrangements will be clarified at a later date.
Under Lithuanian Controlled Drugs Law, people travelling to the conference are permitted to carry their Buprenorphine or Methadone medication with them. However, we are in the process of establishing whether there are any restrictions regarding amounts and whether a license is required, so please refer back to this web page at a later date. Delegates wishing to import medication are advised to inform Gill Bradbury in the event of there being any problems with customs.
When carrying medication abroad:
- You are advised to carry your medication in your hand luggage in non-breakable containers.
- Please ensure you have a signed copy of your prescription and a doctor’s letter outlining your need for treatment – (I can provide a letter template for your doctor / clinic if required).
- Please keep your medication in its’ original packaging with labels left intact.
Contact
For further information regarding the HRI Conference 2013 Medical and Healthcare facilities, please email Gill Bradbury (in confidence). Please refer back to this page for any updates and new information.
