Country : Republic of Singapore
Committee : World Health Organization
Delegate : Muhamad Raffan G Hasibuan
Topic : Enhancing International Governance and
Compliance and Mechanism Regarding Nuclear Weapons
To Mitigate their Environmental Impact on Marine Ecosystem
“Everyone goes through their fair share of struggles in life. Recovering from drug addiction is
particularly challenging, but with support from stakeholders and loved ones, many have
emerged stronger.” - Lawrence Wong
In this modern era, the misuse of prescription drugs has become a major issue and is becoming a
tremendous threat, particularly among young adults and adolescents. This problem is a challenge
both globally, and within Singapore. Misusing prescription drugs means taking medication in
higher doses than the recommended, while a few have a legitimate reason, most of these cases,
the people taking them has an objective to feel euphoria (i.e., to get high) (“Definition of
Misusing Prescription Drugs”, n.d.). Prescription drug misuse could have serious medical issues
which is shown from the increase of treatment admissions for prescription drug use disorders and
the death of 81,806 in 2022 (Drug Overdose Deaths: Facts and Figures, 2024). This shows how
dangerous prescription drugs can be without proper precautions moving forward. The growth of
drug abuse can be attributed to multiple factors, including but not limited to, underestimates for
misuse, economic and social factors, and challenges in responding to addiction and overdose
(Prescription Drug Addiction: Public Health Fight, n.d.). However, with the cooperation
between countries around the globe, this could be resolved.
Singapore is strongly against the misuse of any and all drugs. Our country believes in prioritizing
the well-being of its people and maintaining international standards. Singapore has managed to
keep its domestic drug situation under control despite the worsening drug problem plaguing the
region. There are no areas where drugs are openly sold or blatantly abused. This is due in part to
the tough stance Singapore has adopted against drug trafficking and abuse (AIPAC ODD, 2023).
Singapore has laws to ensure the prevention of drug abuse such as the Misuse of Drugs Act
(MDA) and Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB). Moreover, Singapore is an active member of
AIPA Advisory Council on Dangerous Drugs (AIPAC ODD, 2023). Which oversee and mandate
drugs in the Asian Pacific region. In addition to that, Singapore is very harsh on domestic drug
abuse, it has laws regarding the misuse of prescription drugs. The regulations surrounding the
supply of controlled drugs by individuals who are not practitioners, detailing specific
requirements and conditions under which these drugs can be supplied (Misuse of Drugs
Regulations, n.d.). This highlights Singapore’s approach and actions regarding drug abuse.
In past international actions, there are 3 main conventions concerning drug abuse, 1961
Convention on narcotic drugs, 1971 Convention on psychotropic substances, and 1988
Convention against illicit traffic on narcotic and psychotropic substances (Global Drug Policy,
n.d.). However, these treaties are very old and mainly discuss controlled drugs and not
prescription drugs. Besides that, The World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations
(UN) work together to control psychotropic substances (drugs that affect the mind) to prevent
misuse, abuse, and dependence while ensuring that those who need these drugs for medical
purposes can access them (Controlled Substances, n.d.). Nevertheless, it still has loopholes
which could be taken advantage of. For example, the lack of enforcement and loose regulation-
for certain drugs.
Singapore believes in a drug-free future, evident in its cases and laws. For that reason, Singapore
proposes a set of procedures in handling and battling the misuse of prescription drug that could
be the base for many countries, with the following provisions:
1. Technology Integration and Standardized Training (TS)
In this digital era, Technology is a very valuable asset, in this case countries should
implement an Electronic Health Record (EHR) which will ensure healthcare providers
and law enforcers have access to a patient's complete prescription, reducing the chance of
overprescribing. Standardized training is very important as it will educate professionals
about the dangers and consequences of the misuse of prescription drugs, practicing safe
prescribing, and drug dependence.
2. Public Awareness, Monitoring Systems, Ongoing Evaluation and Improvement
(PMO)
● Public Awareness
Launch campaigns to inform the public the dangers of prescription drug misuse
and the importance of following prescribed dosages. Emphasize that prescription
drugs can be as dangerous as illicit substances. While providing clear information
to patients about the risks associated with their medications and the importance of
adhering to their prescribed treatment plans
● Monitoring Systems
Implement robust monitoring systems to track prescription patterns and identify
unusual or potentially harmful trends. Use AI and data analytics to detect and
address potential misuse early. To Ensure that pharmacies and healthcare
providers comply with regulations regarding the storage, dispensing, and disposal
of medicine
● Ongoing Evaluation and Improvement
Establish channels for healthcare providers, patients, and the public to provide
feedback on the effectiveness of current measures and suggest improvements.
Review and update policies and guidelines based on the latest research and
emerging trends in prescription drug misuse. Collaborate with international
organizations to adopt best practices. .
References
AIPAC ODD. (2023). The 6th meeting of the aipa advisory council on dangerous drugs (aipac
odd). [Link]
Controlled substances. (n.d.). Retrieved February 10, 2025, from [Link]
work/access-to-medicines-and-health-products/controlled-substances
Definition of misusing prescription drugs. (n.d.). National Institute on Drug Abuse. Retrieved
February 9, 2025, from [Link]
prescription-drugs/overview
Drug Overdose Deaths: Facts and Figures. (2024, August 21). National Institute on Drug
Abuse. [Link]
Global drug policy. (n.d.). Transform. Retrieved February 10, 2025, from
[Link]
Misuse of Drugs Regulations. (n.d.). Singapore Statutes Online. Retrieved February 10, 2025,
from [Link]