Pubdate: Wed, 29 Mar 2006
Source: Manila Times (Philippines)
Copyright: 2006, The Manila Times
Contact:  http://www.manilatimes.net/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/921
Author: Jefferson Antiporda
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/testing.htm (Drug Test)

MM DRIVERS ON DRUGS, SAYS DOH

A 2005 report presented by the Department of Health on Tuesday said
that Metro Manila has the most number of drug-dependent drivers nationwide.

The report, based on laboratory results of at least 1,000
DOH-accredited drug-testing centers nationwide, said that 0.11 percent
of the 1,365,215 drivers in Metro Manila who applied or renewed
licenses last year tested positive for illegal drugs. About 1, 943
tested positive, while 1,457 are waiting confirmation.

Southern Tagalog was second in the report with 1,283 drug-dependent
drivers, followed by Central Luzon with 849. All 2,836 applicants from
the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao tested negative.

The report was presented by Health Undersecretary Jade del Mundo
during the signing of a memorandum of agreement with Assistant
Secretary Anneli Lontoc of the Land Transportation Office on the
reduction of drug-testing fees in government hospitals from P200 to
P180.

Del Mundo said the reduction of drug-testing fees covers only centers
under the health department and does not include private testing
centers accredited by the department. 
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MAP posted-by: Tom