Health board officials and councillors have voted to close two drug services in the city and replace them with a combined service saving £2m.
The Complex Needs Service and the Enhanced Drug Treatment Service. with a budget of £3.2 million, are to be scrapped.
The city’s Integration Joint Board, which oversees the health and social care services in Glasgow approved the savings plan but are waiting for a new redesigned model with a £1.2m budget to be put forward later this year.
The decision was made on the day that it was revealed drug deaths in Glasgow increased by 6% to 196, last year.
A review of the services found the numbers using them did not offer the best values for money amid a £100m budget deficit.
The initial option was to end the services completely but it was decided to retain the best parts of the service that are being used and redesign a new combined service for those who rely on it.
The savings were raised by some officials against the backdrop of rising drug deaths.
Pat Togher, chief officer of the HSCP said he was aware of the latest figures.
He added the approach would target a similar population.
Chris Cunningham, chair of the IJB proposed the meeting should: “Approve the reduction and the savings and the creation of a new service subject to a redesign.”
It was agreed after a vote by the IJB by 12 to seven, with SNP members in favour and Labour and Green councillors among those voting to reject the proposal.
Campaigners are worried the impact on drug users with the most serious problems.
Kirsten Horsburgh, chief executive officer at Scottish Drugs Forum, said: “We have serious concerns about proposals to redesign two specialist drug support services in Glasgow.
“The Enhanced Drug Treatment Service and Complex Needs Service were established specifically for people with severe and long-standing drug problems, and other complex needs.
“They provide specialist drug treatment alongside support for physical health, mental health and wider social circumstances.
“Without dedicated services like these, there will be fewer options for intensive support for people at real risk of drug-related harm – and a significant gap in provision for people who cannot access or engage with mainstream services.
“The timing for the decision about the future of these services is stark. On the same day, National Records of Scotland will publish its annual report on drug-related deaths, which is expected to show a further increase in the number of people losing their lives.”
The board also voted to approve plans to cut £5m in the first phase of a reorganisation programme including older people’s day care service and welfare rights services.
