The Ministry of Health has donated another mobile bus to the Ministry of Transport, Highways and Urban Development to support the ongoing random drug testing programme aimed at ensuring a safe and efficient public transport service.
The programme is being implemented under the two-year strategic plan of the National Road Safety Programme launched by the Ministry of Transport, Highways and Urban Development.
The ministry said the mobile drug testing programme is expected to be further expanded under this initiative.
The programme currently covers five provinces and tests public transport drivers, conductors and assistants to determine whether they have used drugs while performing their duties.
The National Institute of Transport Medical is planning to extend the testing programme to the remaining provinces as the necessary physical and human resources are gradually developed.
A total of 7,150 tests have so far been conducted under the national random drug testing programme, which was launched to enhance transport safety and protect lives and property.
The authorities expect to reduce loss of life and property caused by road accidents through short-, medium- and long-term measures implemented with inter-ministerial cooperation.
