Nov. 29 2016, 1:55 p.m. – DESPITE the supposed prevalence of illegal drug users in the country according to government claims, UST is “almost drug-free,” the head of the University health service has said.

Dr. Rhodora de Leon, director of the UST Health Service, said only one person had tested positive for drug use in mandatory drug tests conducted among freshmen since 2014.

De Leon boasted that the Health Service had been conducting mandatory drug tests on freshmen and random testing on students in higher year levels even before the Commission on High Education (Ched) ordered it.

“If anyone tests positive, we will have to report it to the dean of the college, the guidance counsellor, and of course the parents, then they will go in depth and see how the student is. Unless the student needs some psychiatric help, the [first step is] counselling,” de Leon said.

“If the college sees that there is a need to screen all their students, then we can conform with that,” she added.

Republic Act No. 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 requires all secondary and tertiary schools to conduct random drug tests.

The Health Service offers counselling services to Thomasians to prevent drug addiction. It also holds lectures to raise awareness on the ills of drug use in the University.

“There really is [a] need to curb and put a stop to drugs, but somehow you have to help [the drug victims]. You cannot be killing them and apprehending them without offering help and treating them,” de Leon said.

De Leon praised the government for its action toward the country’s drug problem, but said there was no emphasis on rehabilitation.

“Sa amin sa medical field, ang aming unang thrust is rehab; treating them, not killing them,” she said.

“It’s a matter of giving them a chance to be rehabilitated, to be brought back to the normal, the mainstream, and their families. Our aim is to make them better citizens and individuals. Prevention is the first step,” she added.

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