A chlamydia screening programme will be introduced in the island from next year.
But in the House of Keys, Health Minister David Anderson was pressed on why he would not agree to condom machines being introduced in secondary schools to combat the spread of sexually transmitted diseases.
Lib Van Peter Karran (Onchan) asked if he would develop a trial screening scheme, similar to that in the UK, with pharmacies setting up a free, confidential chlamydia testing service by post.
Mr Anderson said it would not be a trial but a definitive programme with the intention of having it implemented by March next year – although that date might be ‘slightly optimistic’, he said.
He told MHKs: ‘The department has been in the process of considering the most cost-effective way of implementing chlamydia screening locally. Three options have been identified and these are being evaluated. The options are primarily about the actual test being carried out.’
Mr Anderson explained that some steps would need to be brought in – such as publicity, treatment, partner notification and treatment – whatever option was selected for carrying out the test.
He continued: ‘Pharmacists will be involved in providing advice and publicity for the screening programme and act as a distribution point for test kits and in providing treatment.
‘The local pharmacists have been enthusiastic in participating in the screening programme and one of our representatives has been working with public health in introducing the programme.
‘In short, I can confirm that a chlamydia screening programme will be introduced with participation from pharmacists. It will not be a trial but a definitive programme which obviously will be modified in the light of changing circumstances.’
He pointed out that the scheme is already operating in the UK.
Brenda Cannell (Douglas East) welcomed the move but wondered where the funding was coming from.
Mr Anderson replied that he hadn’t got definitive costs but he didn’t think the cost implications would be extensive – and that it was going to save money in the long run.
Leonard Singer (Ramsey) called on the Minister to reconsider his stance on condom machines in high school as sexually transmitted disease infections were ‘prevalent’. Brenda Cannell (Douglas East) added: ‘Prevention is better than cure. Will he reconsider the policy on banning condoms?’
The Minister replied that he was not going to change the current policy, adding: ‘I believe education is better than cure.’
In a written reply to a Keys question from Zac Hall (Onchan), Mr Anderson said it was not possible to ascertain the number of teenage pregnancies as some would result in miscarriage or off-island terminations. He could confirm, however, there were 40 births to teenage mothers in 2011-12, 18 last year and six so far this year.