An anti-addiction program that began following advocacy by a bereaved Nhill family, among others, has gone statewide as of Monday.
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SafeScript monitors where and when high-risk medicines such as codeine and diazepam are being prescribed, to prevent patients dependent on the medications from "doctor shopping".
SafeScript is being rolled out across Victoria following a successful trial in the state's west including the Wimmera.
The trial began in the region on October 2, following campaigning from Nhill parents Margaret and John Millington, who lost their son Simon after he battled with painkiller addiction for 16 years.
A statement from the office of Health Minister Jenny Mikakos said in six months, the system had alerted health professionals at more than 400 sites across Western Victoria to around 4,500 patients at risk of harm of overdose from visiting multiple clinics or pharmacies.
The minister's office said there are now more than 7,500 health professionals across Victoria registered and using the system, with 300 more being added each week.
SafeScript is recording one new prescription every five seconds.
In 2017, more than 400 Victorian lives were lost due to prescription medicine overdoses. Deaths due to
prescription medicines have outnumbered the road toll in Victoria for the past six years.
The minister's office said there was also free and confidential advice available by calling the 24-hour SafeScript Pharmaceutical Helpline on 1800 737 233.