By Ayodele Oni
Chief Medical Director,(CMD), of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Prof. Idia Ize-Iyamu, has suggested drug testing for job applicants and students as part of measures to curtail drug abuse.
CMD also called for urgent legislative action to address the growing problem of drug and substance abuse among youths in Edo State.
Prof. Ize-Iyamu made the call when the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA), Yekini Idiaye, paid a courtesy visit to the hospital.
The UBTH CMD urged the Edo State House of Assembly to consider legislation mandating drug testing for job applicants and students in state-owned secondary and tertiary institutions as part of efforts to curb substance abuse and prevent addiction among young people.
She also sought stronger collaboration between UBTH and the state legislature in the areas of drug testing, rehabilitation and other targeted interventions for people affected by substance abuse.
Speaking on the establishment of the hospital’s newly commissioned drug testing centre, Prof. Ize-Iyamu said the initiative was prompted by the increasing use of alcohol, psychotropic substances and other drugs in the state.
According to her, the first set of people who tested positive at the centre included young people below the age of 20.
She stressed the importance of prevention, noting that addiction becomes more difficult to treat when it becomes chronic, particularly when it affects young people.
Prof. Ize-Iyamu further identified specialised diagnostic and laboratory services, drug testing and other healthcare initiatives as potential areas of collaboration between UBTH and the Edo State House of Assembly.
In his remarks, Speaker Yekini Idiaye said the purpose of the visit was to explore areas of partnership and collaboration between the Assembly and UBTH.
Idiaye emphasised the importance of collaboration between the Edo State Government and the teaching hospital, describing the visit as part of his engagements with federal institutions across the state towards promoting sustainable development.
The Speaker was accompanied by the Majority Leader and member representing Esan South East Constituency, Hon. Sunny Ojiezele Osezua; Deputy Chief Whip and Chairman, House Committee on Health, representing Oredo West Constituency, Dr. Richard Edosa; and member representing Akoko-Edo II Constituency, Hon. Donald Okogbo
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