Australian program shows the benefits of pill-testing

Popular Australian current affairs program 60 Minutes has broadcast a story on the benefits of pill-testing during its high-rating Sunday night timeslot.

Not usually known for its progressive reporting, 'Testing Times' sees the show follow in the footsteps of the ABC's 7.30, which first covered the health issue in February after a number of tragic deaths from drug overdoses at music festivals across the country.

The 60 Minutes story sees reporter Tara Brown visit The Netherlands and Austria to investigate pill-testing programs in place in both countries, widely-regarded as drastically reducing the harm surrounding banned substances due to their focus on education rather than prohibition.

Australia has the highest amount of ecstasy users per capita in the world, however very little is commonly-known about what people are actually ingesting on the weekend.

Sniffer dogs remain a constant at most festivals and suggestions they are compounding the dangers involved with drug-taking rather than alleviating any are growing in support.

While it's unlikely any pill-testing programs will get the green light under the current Australian government, the fact commercial programs such as 60 Minutes have begun to take notice, alongside increasing calls from medical experts, politicians and the public for a safer approach, means the important shift is hopefully not too far away.

[Via: 60 Minutes and inthemix]