Parliamentary Secretary Chris Fearne told Parliament yesterday that 148 persons were admitted to Mater Dei Hospital in the first five months of the year for drug overdoses.

Answering Claudio Grech (PN), Dr Fearne said there were three different categories of ODs: those that were accidental; self-harm and suicide attempts; and those for unknown reasons. Only 15 cases fell into the first category.

Answering another question by Mr Grech, Dr Fearne said that 376,710 syringes were distributed from health centres in 2012 while 342,732 were distributed in 2013.

The highest number in 2013 were given out from Paola (111,800), followed by Cospicua (75,000) and Floriana (66,800).

Noting that more than two-thirds of the syringes were distributed in the inner harbour area, Mr Grech urged the government to consider launching a health promotion campaign to address the situation.

Dr Fearne said he would be taking up Mr Grech’s suggestion.

He also informed Parliament that the pharmacy at Mount Carmel Hospital offered methadone services to 493 patients in 2012, 521 inmates in 2013 and to 178 persons in June this year.

Methadone services were offered at the Detox Centre in Gwardamangia, the prisons and Mount Carmel Hospital.

On another issue, Dr Fearne said there were 25 accidents involving ambulances between 2010 and 2014. All accidents happened when the ambulances were being parked.

Dr Fearne also told Parliament that 1,747 persons were admitted to the Emergency Department at Mater Dei Hospital in 2013 after being involved in traffic accidents.