Amended drug tests rules to be applied next month

CEBU, Philippines – The amended regulations in conducting random drug tests among students will be implemented next month, the Department of Health said, following the orientation conducted among coordinators from the Commission on Higher Education and the Department of Education.

Like last year, the random drug tests will be conducted among students in the secondary and tertiary levels and among those enrolled in vocational courses in technical schools.

Dr. Benjamin Reyes of the DOH Central office said the issues raised regarding the alleged “punitive” sound of the provisions have already been clarified.

Reyes said the provisions have been made “friendlier” and clarified that the random dug tests are conducted “purely for health reasons and does not intend to punish the students who would test positive.”

Reyes said misconceptions about the drug tests, such as expulsion and criminally charging students that are found positive, have already been clarified. He emphasized the DOH will strictly maintain the confidentiality of the tests.

Reyes admitted that the tests last April were met with refusal and apprehension from students but the apprehension eventually loosened after the provisions of the tests were explained to the students.

The difficulties they face now, Reyes said, are more on the operational concerns such as the distribution of logistics. He said they need at least 30 analysts that are chemists or medical technologists.

The new round of random drug tests target 120,000 students nationwide from both public and private schools. — Barbara Anne B. Ocaba, STC Masscom Intern/JMO (THE FREEMAN)