NISLT commends UBTH for establishing drug testing centre in South-South

The Nigerian Institute of Science Laboratory Technology has commended the management of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital for establishing a Drug Testing Centre at the hospital.

The Acting Director-General of NISLT, Dr Adefisoye Oluwafisoye, gave the commendation during a visit to the hospital in Benin, where he presented a letter of commendation to the Chief Medical Director of UBTH, Prof Idia Ize-Iyamu.

Oluwafisoye, who was represented by the South-South Zonal Director, Dr Gboyega Alalade, said the institute was particularly pleased with the establishment of the centre, which was reported to be the first teaching hospital-based drug testing centre in the South-South geopolitical zone.

He said the facility would help address the growing challenges of alcohol and substance abuse in the region through screening and testing.

The NISLT zonal director further noted that substance abuse has become a major public and social concern with far-reaching consequences for individuals, families, workplaces and communities.

Oluwafisoye said the establishment of a specialised facility for screening and testing alcohol and substances of abuse would contribute to early detection, prevention, intervention, research and evidence-based public health responses.

“The Nigerian Institute of Science Laboratory Technology commends the management of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital on the establishment and unveiling of the Drug Testing Centre at the hospital.

“The Institute is particularly delighted by the establishment of the Centre, reported to be the first teaching hospital-based testing centre in the South-South geopolitical zone of Nigeria, with a mandate to screen for and address the growing challenges of alcohol and substance abuse in the region.

“This is a laudable and timely initiative that deserves the commendation and support of relevant stakeholders,” he said.

Receiving the NISLT delegation, Ize-Iyamu, accompanied by members of the hospital’s management, said the initiative was part of the UBTH CARES Agenda designed to proactively address the rising tide of drug and substance abuse in the region.

PUNCH Healthwise reports that the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency estimates show that 14 million Nigerians are involved in the use and addiction to hard drugs.

To combat drug abuse, the Federal Government in May mandated drug integrity tests for secondary school students across the country, with experts describing it as a wise and necessary policy to tackle the growing problem of drug and substance abuse among adolescents in the country.

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