CHANGES URGED IN TREATING DRUG ABUSE PATIENTS

DRUG rehabilitation centers should test patients for illegal drug use
instead of the Department of Health, a top official of a rehabilitation
facility said on Saturday.

Sofronio Robadon Jr., a retired general and now assistant executive
director of the Central Luzon Drug Rehabilitation Center, said allowing
rehabilitation centers to do the tests would speed up the treatment of the
drug-abuse patients.

Robadon said the center has the capability to do the tests without the
health department.

He also called for the amendment of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act,
or Republic Act 9165, to make it easier for rehabilitation centers to treat
victims of drug abuse.

Under the law, a person arrested for drug abuse must first ask a court for
permission before being allowed under the care of a rehabilitation center.
Before the petition is heard, the person will have to be tested by the
health department. If the person is found positive for drug abuse, that
will be the only time that the court can decide if the person should
undergo rehabilitation.

"I think there is a need to fine-tune the law to make it truly applicable
in real situations," Robadon said.