"This epidemic is a national health emergency." "Instead of a commitment to emergency funding for our states and communities, President Trump offered empty words and half-measures." Mr Trump’s campaign promise to focus on the opioid crisis helped propel him to a crucial victory in New Hampshire’s primary last year. Administration officials argued that a national emergency declaration was not necessary or helpful in the case of the opioid crisis and that the powers associated with a public health emergency were better suited to address the issue. Lawmakers and public health and anti-addiction organisations have argued that such a measure is crucial to expand access to the drug.

Source: Bangkok Post October 27, 2017 05:15 UTC