The Department of Health – MIMAROPA (Oriental/Occidental Mindoro, Marinduque Romblon, Palawan) conducted another random drug testing (RDT) in one of the health facilities in the region namely Oriental Mindoro Medical Center in Calapan City on July 22, 2016.
“This is a continuing program which we have started at the Regional Office and its satellite offices in the five provinces as a way of ensuring a drug-free workplace and we have included various health facilities all over the region to safeguard hospital employees and patients as well,” Regional Director Eduardo C. Janairo stated during a visit last week in the province of Oriental Mindoro.
“Patients and their family members must better be protected from preventable harm that may cause by an impaired physician or a nurse who is a drug user,” he added.
According to Janairo, the RDT activity targeted only 250 employees but due to the overwhelming support from the staff, there were 52 employees more who voluntarily submitted for the test.
RDT deters drug use and helps to identify employees at risk for drug problems and enable them to seek assistance. Urine testing is being used to detect drug users because it is easy to administer, cost efficient, publicly accepted and proven effective.
“Drug addiction can be prevented through proper information and effective drug prevention programs”, Janairo emphasized.
The region started its RDT activities in the provinces on November 5, 2015 in Lubang, Occidental Mindoro with 215 health personnel tested; November 10, 2015 in Culion Sanitarium with 224 hospital staff; and 436 in Coron, including municipal health personnel, waste management staff, waiters and boatmen.
The activity is a joint effort of the DOH-MIMAROPA Regional Office, the Dangerous Drug Board (DDB), the National Research Laboratory, the Dangerous Drugs Abuse & Prevention & Treatment Program together with the Oriental Mindoro Medical Center
Drug abuse is still a major concern in the country. Marijuana and shabu continues to be the main cause of drug abuse.
“This activity is also in support to our government’s effort of eliminating illegal drugs and eradicating drug users in the government service, especially in the health sector.” Dr. Janairo concluded.
