Confirmatory tests conducted by the Department of Health (DOH) revealed that 10 Negros Occidental provincial government employees tested positive for illegal drug use.
Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz made the announcement on Wednesday, Nov. 11, adding that one employee tested negative while results for three others remain pending.
The testing stems from a routine Mandatory Random Drug Testing program, during which the provincial government collected urine samples from 1,962 employees, including staff across its seven district hospitals, in October. Initial screenings yielded 14 positive results, all of which were submitted to the DOH for confirmation.
Diaz said they are currently reviewing the employment status of the 10 confirmed positive personnel to determine the appropriate administrative actions.
Job order and contract of service personnel who tested positive will face immediate dismissal from service, Diaz said.
Meanwhile, permanent employees will be given an opportunity to undergo drug rehabilitation in accordance with Civil Service Commission (CSC) guidelines.*
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