Sindh to Conduct Drug Tests of Students

The Sindh government has taken a significant step to combat the rising cases of drug use in educational institutions by deciding to conduct medical screenings for students.

Initially, the screenings will be carried out in public colleges across Sindh, and a formal notification to this effect has been issued.

The notification, released by Secretary of College Education Asif Ikram, states that a three-member committee has been established within the College Education Department. This committee will include the Director General of Colleges Sindh, the Regional Director of the respective district, and the principal of the concerned college.

According to the notification, the committee’s Terms of Reference (TORs) have been outlined. Under these, the medical screening team can conduct surprise visits to any public college. The College Education Department’s team will assist the medical screening team, which will have the authority to conduct medical tests on any student at the college.

Speaking to Express News, Director of General Colleges Sindh, Dr. Naveed Rabb, said, “Health department teams will carry out the medical screenings. Discussions are underway with the health department to finalize the criteria for selecting colleges and the parameters for student medical screenings.”

In response to a question, Dr. Naveed stated that methods to encourage students to participate in medical screenings are still being determined. He also mentioned that the Sindh government’s Anti-Narcotics Department and other relevant agencies are collaborating on this initiative to rid educational institutions of this menace.

Additionally, the notification mentions that seminars, workshops, and awareness sessions will be organized in educational institutions. These events aim to educate students about the harmful effects of drug use and its impact on their education and future.