The management of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) in Nigeria has urged the Edo State House of Assembly to take legislative action to address the growing rate of drug and substance abuse in the state. Chief Medical Director, Idia Ize-Iyamu, made the appeal during a courtesy visit by the leadership of the Edo State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Yekini Idaiye. Ize-Iyamu emphasized the need for a bill that mandates drug testing for job applicants and students in state-owned secondary and tertiary institutions.
The UBTH boss highlighted the significance of the hospital's newly commissioned state-of-the-art drug testing centre, which was established in response to the increasing scourge of drug and alcohol addiction in society. The centre has already conducted tests, with the first group of people testing positive being under 20 years of age. Ize-Iyamu noted that it is more challenging to treat addiction than to prevent it, and when addiction becomes chronic, it poses a significant problem for society, particularly among young people.
According to Ize-Iyamu, the use of psychotropic substances is on the rise in Edo State, describing the trend as a menace to society. She appealed for a strong partnership with the State Legislature to implement targeted interventions and collaborative rehabilitation programmes for affected youths. The UBTH boss identified potential areas of collaboration between UBTH and the Edo State House of Assembly, including drug testing, specialised diagnostic and laboratory services, and other healthcare initiatives that could benefit the people of the state.
Speaker of the House of Assembly, Yekini Idaiye, stated that the visit aimed to explore possible areas of partnership and collaboration with the teaching hospital. The leadership of the House of Assembly is interested in working with UBTH to address the healthcare needs of the people of Edo State. Idaiye and his team were received on a courtesy visit by Ize-Iyamu at the hospital.
Ize-Iyamu's call for legislative action is driven by concerns about the increasing rate of drug and substance abuse among the populace. She emphasized that the hospital is committed to providing quality healthcare services to the people of Edo State and is seeking partnerships to enhance its capacity to address emerging health challenges. The UBTH has taken steps to address the issue, including the commissioning of the drug testing centre.
The Edo State House of Assembly has shown interest in collaborating with UBTH to address healthcare challenges in the state. The Speaker of the House, Idaiye, has expressed his willingness to work with the hospital to explore areas of partnership that could benefit the people of Edo State. The Assembly's visit to UBTH is part of its efforts to engage with stakeholders and identify areas of collaboration to improve healthcare delivery in the state.
The University of Benin Teaching Hospital is playing a proactive role in addressing the issue of drug and substance abuse in Edo State. Through its advocacy for legislative action and collaboration with the State Legislature, UBTH aims to contribute to the development of effective strategies to combat the rising tide of drug and substance abuse in the state. The hospital's efforts are geared towards promoting the health and well-being of the people of Edo State.
Key points
- UBTH Chief Medical Director, Idia Ize-Iyamu, urges Edo State House of Assembly to domesticate a bill mandating drug testing for job applicants and students.
