The number of addicts given free heroin on the NHS is set to double despite concern over the cost of the £4million scheme and dozens of overdoses.

Officials admit there have been 26 overdoses among those who have taken part but now health chiefs are planning to administer heroin to even more drug-users.

The Enhanced Drug Treatment Service (EDTS) is targeted at those whose addiction is so far advanced that methadone has proved ineffectual, but so far fewer than 40 users have taken part.

There have been 26 overdoses among current or former patients since it began in 2019, while more than £80,000 of taxpayers’ money has been spent ferrying addicts to the EDTS by taxi.

Last night, Tory MSP Sue Webber said: ‘The public will be keen to know why more money is continuing to be diverted into this scheme.

‘Scotland continues to have the worst drug deaths rate in Europe on the SNP’s watch – and it is vital the right measures are taken to stop so many families grieving the loss of loved ones.

Want to see more SNP fails? – Health Matters