clinchem blog notes 30 b LAB LETTERS

FIRST POINT. Who’s going to pay for all these expenses? Is it the government or the students themselves? All of us know that in the Philippines there are many families who struggle financially. What happens if they cannot afford to pay for the test? Will the students not be able to attend school? So what happens next? Increased out of school youth? And where would they go if they weren’t in school? Without a doubt, this will be unfair for many students especially for those non-users but cannot pay.

Another question that should be addressed is that what would happen to the students if they turned out positive to the test? Does this mean education is over for them? The government should be able to help the victims of drug abuse in rehabilitating them and ensuring a promising future for them. If not, then the mandatory test would be a total waste time, money and effort.

SECOND POINT. We all know that drug abuse is widespread to the society. So why then only the youth is given mandatory testing? Are we then discriminating them? The reason probably is to detect the problem earlier and prevent chronic use but this should be explained thoroughly. What about the adults? Aren’t they also predisposed to using drugs? Should there be mandatory drug testing for job application then? I’ve learned that it is stated in the law that companies cannot require drug testing for accepting job applicants. If drug testing will be required in school shouldn’t the law stating that companies are not allowed to require employees to be tested be abolished? Then again, this causes public stress.

THIRD POINT. How strict will the drug testing be done? We all know drug testing can be cheated or better yet what if bribery is involved so as to ask officials give negative results for the users? Or what if the users would abstain from using drugs so as to yield negative results temporarily and would use drugs again after the test? Some say use other more sensitive methods. This is pricy for sure. This solution draws us back to problem #1. How can we say that this mass testing would be efficient? If these factors cannot be addressed then the whole purpose of testing is defeated –again a total waste time, money and effort.

FOURTH POINT. What is the coverage of the drug testing? Does it also cover also alcohol and cigarette abuse? From what I know of these two substances are most abused. It also has ill effects for the users. Shouldn’t this problem be addressed also?

THE CONCLUSION. I may say no to mandatory drug testing but it does not mean I encourage the youth to use drugs. Indeed, the proposal has a well defined intention but as I see it, it has many downsides too. Before implementing this rule, it must be discussed and studied properly.

Others say that this proposal would help students in building a good education. I say, there should be other priorities. I am aware that the quality of education is starting to get low. Rather than spending money for testing, why not use it to build classrooms, buy books and scholarships. Isn’t that a more efficient approach in ensuring a bright future?

If we really want a drug free society, it should start from strict government implementation and public observance. The parents also have a major role in preventing their children to become victims. We cannot guard the children 24/7 but proper parenting sets the youth’s positive principles and outlook in life.