Maternal Child Patients with Heroin Addiction - Essay Example

HEALTHCARE POLICYAssigned Policy: The low cost of heroin use has had a significant impact on maternal child patients, specifically leading to a drug withdrawal in newborns crisis.The challenge the government and general society faces in rehabilitating former addicts especially expectant mothers has gained momentum although the outcome is still not impressive. There are policies that have been put in place to influence the rate of withdrawal among the victims as the effect has been established to be very high.

Major remedial measures include introduction of opioid agonist therapy with methadone and counseling centers (Sonia, et al.2011). Since there is significant post birth risks to the newborn, there is need to set up recovery and therapeutic facilities with narcotic related specialists. Altering the cost of accessing the heroin will require additional cost burden to the government in terms of enforcement process. The establishment of the community programmes requires funds which poses budgetary challenge.

From the past records, there is significant indication that this policy will lead to shortage of participation in programs because of fear of prosecution by pregnant mothers. This will considerably affect the desired outcome and prove counterproductive to the aims of the policy. A critical review of data on the prevention and curative measure towards this healthcare policy requires further research in line with public-private partnership (Sonia, et al.2011).Considering the data that is found in (https://www.acog.org/Resources_And_Publications/Committee_Opinions/Committee_on_Ethics/At_Risk_Drinking_and_Illicit_Drug_Use_Ethical_Issues_in_Obstetric_and_Gynecologic_Practice),drug abuse costs are estimated at more than $180 billion yearly, including $605 million associated with health care costs for drug-exposed newborns (9).

The emerging healthcare reforms puts strain on the progress of rehabilitating the former addicts and the children aged between 3 months to 4 years. ReferenceSonia Minnes, Ph.D.,1 Adelaide Lang, Ph.D.,1 and Lynn Singer, Ph.D.2 (2011). Prenatal Tobacco, Marijuana, Stimulant, and Opiate Exposure: Outcomes and Practice Implications. Addict Sci Clin Pract. Jul 2011; 6(1): 57–70.Retrieved on 12th march 2014 from:http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3188826/