Latst November we reported that Public Health Minister Aileen Campbell announced her intention to bring forward a combined alcohol and drugs abuse this spring.

This came after health campaigners warned the next phase of Scotland’s alcohol strategy must contain bold action to reduce the availability and marketing of alcohol.

A report published on 12 April 2017 by Alcohol Focus Scotland, BMA Scotland, external, SHAAP, externaland Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol & Drugs, external contains a comprehensive set of policies aimed at curbing Scotland’s alcohol problem and addressing the associated health inequalities.

Image source, PA/Science Photo Library

Meanwhile the Scottish Drugs Forum (SDF) has caleld for drug treatment services to be refocused to take account of the increasing numbers of older users.

Click here for Holyrood Live's reporting on the minister's statement, don't forget to refresh the page and scroll down.

The number of drug-related deaths in Scotland in 2016 year totalled 867, a rise of 23% on 2015.

Numbers have been steadily increasing since 1995, when 426 fatal overdoses were recorded.

SNP MSP Ruth Maguire asks the government how it ensures that quality is embedded and evidenced in drug and alcohol services.

Image source, Getty images

The British Medical Association has decided to implement the proposed new GP contract in Scotland.

It follows strong backing in a poll of family doctors which found 71.5% in favour of the new deal.

BMA Scotland said it would reduce workload and improve recruitment, although many rural doctors raised concerns about income and expenses.

The Scottish government described it as the biggest reform of GP services in Scotland in more than a decade.

• Incentive to recruit 800 new GPs
• One in four GP practices has vacancy
• Fear of GP losses after Brexit
• Read more here.

Labour MSP Rhoda Grant ask the Scottish government what action it is taking to consult people in remote and rural areas on the impact of the new GP contract.

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Ms Robison outlines a range of options for patients who require assistance with transport costs.

Health boards have the discretion to reimburse costs, the health secretary adds.

SNP MSP Gail Ross highlights the NHS video conference Near Me service.

The health secretary points out uptake of the service is increasing.

SNP MSP Gail Ross asks the Scottish government what funding packages are in place to meet the expenses of people who have to travel considerable distances to access healthcare, including outside their own NHS board area.

Health Secretary Shona Robison reassures the chamber that the changes are a short-term measure and NHS Fife are reviewing long-term options prior to a final decision.

She accepts there are significant issues with GP recruitment in Fife, but she suggests the new contract and investment will increase the attractiveness of the profession.

The workforce plans includes a commitment to over 800 new GPs, she adds.

Night-time GP services at three Fife hospitals are being cut due to staff shortages.

Patients will no longer be referred to centres in Dunfermline, Glenrothes and St Andrews between the hours of midnight and 08:00.

Instead they will be sent to the Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy.

The changes come into force from 9 April and will last for a three-month trial period. Overnight home visit will continue for emergencies.

Read more here.

Labour MSP Claire Baker asks the Scottish government what discussions it has had with Fife Health and Social Care Partnership since its decision to suspend overnight out-of-hours services in Dunfermline, St Andrews and Glenrothes.

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Health Secretary Shona Robison replies that 58 fewer deaths are expected in the first year.

Labour MSP Daivd Stewart asks about the social responsibility levy, which the parliament has already passed.

Ms Robison says the social responsibility levy was meant as a local mechanism but it will be kept under review.

Image source, bbc

The price of cheap, high-strength alcohol has gone up in Scotland as long-awaited legislation on minimum pricing came into force on 1 May 2018.

The law, which sets a floor price for drinks depending on how many units of alcohol they contain, was passed in 2012 but has faced legal challenges.

The Scottish government said the move would cut consumption and save lives.

High-strength white cider and cheap own-brand vodka and whisky will see the biggest rise in prices.

Read more here.

SNP MSP Clare Adamson asks what impact the government expects minimum unit pricing of alcohol will have on health.

Public Health Minister Aileen Campbell says Scotland enjoys a high level of air quality compares to elsewhere in the UK and Europe.

She adds we must not become complacent, hence plans to introduce a low emission zone in Glasgow.

Mr Harvie says the situation in Glasgow is "not as rosy" as suggested, with some areas failing to reach air quality standards.

What support will the Scottish government given to assess the impact of a more rapid introduction of the LEZ as is being called for by opposition parties, he asks.

Ms Campbell says the government is working hard to do more where possible and will continue to work with local authority partners.

Image source, Getty Images

Two environment experts have resigned in protest from the Scottish government's clean air strategy team.

Prof James Curran and Emilia Hanna said they were frustrated by slow progress and lack of "ambition" in the planned Low Emission Zone (LEZ) for Glasgow.

They were advisers from Scottish Environment Link which represents 35 environmental groups.

The Scottish government said it remained committed to protecting the public from harmful air pollution.

• 'No ambition' criticism of low emission zone
• Polluting bus ban could hike costs
• Pollution zones rise in Scotland
• Read more here

Scottish Green Party co-convener Patrick Harvie asks what work is being done to assess and reduce the health impact of air pollution.

Image source, bbc

Health Secretary Shona Robison highlights the strategy opportunties to empower citizens in their health care.

Ms Robison explains NHS 24 provides services that can be used online.

SNP MSP Richard Lyle asks how the Digital Health and Care Strategy, external will help to deliver person-centred care.

Mental Health Minister Maureen Watt explains the mental health strategy was created following engagement with various youth organisations.

There are also several strands of ongoing work involving young people in mental health efforts, she adds.

The minister goes on to say the key is early intervention and prevention.