THE Fiji Medical Association has backed Government’s move to introduce drug testing for public officials but warned it must be guided by science, ethics and human rights.
FMA president Dr Ronal Kumar said while the association recognised the dangers of illicit drugs, testing alone was not a solution.
“Drug testing is a medical, ethical and public-health issue and not merely a disciplinary one,” Dr Kumar said.
“Therefore, this must be governed by clear policy, scientific evidence and human-rights principles.”
He cautioned that poorly designed programs could cause harm.
“International experience shows that drug testing, when poorly designed, can lead to misinterpretation of results, unfair consequences for workers … and stigma that discourages people from seeking help.”
Dr Kumar stressed that testing methods must be properly understood.
“A positive result does not necessarily mean a person is intoxicated, unsafe to work, or using drugs at the time of testing.”
The FMA also highlighted that drug dependence should be treated as a health issue, not purely a disciplinary matter.
