Pubdate: Sat, 29 Oct 2005
Source: Mindanao Times (Philippines)
Copyright: 2005 Mindanao Times.
Contact:  http://www.mindanaotimes.com.ph/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2980
Author: Rizalene P. Acac
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/testing.htm (Drug Test)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?236 (Corruption - Outside U.S.)

DOH CLOSELY EYES DRUG TESTING CENTERS

The Department of Health in the region is conducting unannounced
inspections in the drug testing centers here to thwart dubious activities.

Alex Daba, Licensing Officer of DoH, said that they are regularly
conducting surprise inspections after reports that some connive with
fixers to produce falsified drug results.

He said that during their ocular inspection, they check the vital
facilities of the center that would include the clinical working area,
the refrigerator and the computer.

Daba added they also look if the camera-device is installed in the
bathroom where the specimen "urine" is collected to ensure that the
"switching" and "no-show" will not happen.

In Davao Region, there are already 49 accredited drug testing centers
which cater to workers, students and for others who want drug testing.

Daba also explained how their centralized database help them in
investigating fake drug results.

"If ever we found out that a center is into something wrong, we can
recommend to Manila to cut-off their Drug Testing Operations
Management Information System that will eventually lead to their
closing," he said in the dialect.

Drug test results contain a code which only competent personnel can
read and verify with the database.

The task of licensing drug testing centers was transferred from the
Dangerous Drugs Board to the DoH through the Comprehensive Drugs Act
of 2002. 
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