Pubdate: Sat, 03 Jul 2004
Source: Manila Times (Philippines)
Copyright: 2004, The Manila Times
Contact:  http://www.manilatimes.net/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/921
Author: Dennis Gasgonia, Correspondent
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/testing.htm (Drug Testing)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/rehab.htm (Treatment)

CHANGES URGED IN TREATING DRUG ABUSE PATIENTS

DRUG rehabilitation centers should test patients for illegal drug use 
instead of the Department of Health, a top official of a rehabilitation 
facility said on Saturday.

Sofronio Robadon Jr., a retired general and now assistant executive 
director of the Central Luzon Drug Rehabilitation Center, said allowing 
rehabilitation centers to do the tests would speed up the treatment of the 
drug-abuse patients.

Robadon said the center has the capability to do the tests without the 
health department.

He also called for the amendment of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act, 
or Republic Act 9165, to make it easier for rehabilitation centers to treat 
victims of drug abuse.

Under the law, a person arrested for drug abuse must first ask a court for 
permission before being allowed under the care of a rehabilitation center. 
Before the petition is heard, the person will have to be tested by the 
health department. If the person is found positive for drug abuse, that 
will be the only time that the court can decide if the person should 
undergo rehabilitation.

"I think there is a need to fine-tune the law to make it truly applicable 
in real situations," Robadon said.
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MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager