Fiji Medical Association calls for ethical and well-governed drug-testing policy
Fiji Medical Association calls for ethical and well-governed drug-testing policy
While the Fiji Medical Association acknowledges the Government's recent steps to introduce drug testing among government officials and recognises the seriousness of illicit drug use, particularly methamphetamine, as a growing national concern, it emphasises that drug testing is a medical, ethical and public-health issue and not merely a disciplinary one.
Fiji Medical Association President, Doctor Ronal Kumar says this must be governed by a clear policy, scientific evidence and human-rights principles, and the FMA stands ready to work with Government, regulators and employers to help design a credible, humane and effective drug-testing framework that genuinely contributes to a healthier and safer Fiji.
Doctor Kumar says the FMA calls on Government to ensure that any drug-testing programme is supported by the minimum safeguards that should include a clear national drug-testing policy defining the purpose of testing (e.g. safety, not morality), specifies who is tested, when, and under what circumstances and sets out consequences and support pathways transparently.
He says proportionate and risk-based testing prioritises safety-sensitive and high-risk roles and avoids indiscriminate, one-size-fits-all testing.
Doctor Kumar says there should be no employment or disciplinary action based on screening tests alone, mandatory confirmatory laboratory testing for all non-negative results and appropriate use of different testing methods depending on purpose.
He says there should be independent medical review of positive results and consideration of prescribed medications and medical explanations.
Doctor Kumar says there should be informed consent, confidential handling of health information, and clear appeal and review mechanisms.
He says there should be health-first responses including referral to assessment, counselling and treatment services, and treatment and rehabilitation prioritised over punitive measures, especially for first or early findings.
He stresses drug testing is not a single solution as international experience shows that drug testing, when poorly designed, can lead to misinterpretation of results, unfair consequences for workers, legal and constitutional disputes and stigma that discourages people from seeking help.
The FMA President says urine drug testing, which has been widely reported in the media, detects drug metabolites rather than current impairment.
Doctor Kumar says a positive result does not necessarily mean a person is intoxicated, unsafe to work, or using drugs at the time of testing.
He says this distinction is particularly important for substances such as marijuana.
The FMA President says for drug testing to be credible, ethical and effective, it must form part of a well-designed national framework, not operate in isolation.
He says globally, governments that use drug testing do so selectively, focusing on
safety-sensitive roles, post-incident or reasonable-suspicion testing and clear safeguards for consent, privacy and review.
They say the UK government explicitly states employers should limit testing to employees who genuinely need to be tested.
The FMA says Australia's Department of Home Affairs runs drug testing as part of a formal integrity and workplace safety framework, not a public-confidence exercise.
It says there is little international precedent for blanket, whole-of-civil-service testing without a comprehensive policy framework.
The FMA says where drug testing exists, it is almost always accompanied by strong governance, medical oversight and treatment pathways.
The FMA stresses that substance use disorders are recognised medical conditions.
It says evidence consistently shows that punitive, shame-based approaches worsen outcomes, while early assessment, counselling and treatment are more effective for individuals, workplaces and society.
It adds drug testing should therefore prioritise risk management and recovery, not punishment alone.
Doctor Kumar says the FMA is not opposed to drug testing.
He says on the contrary, they believe drug testing can play a useful role when it is evidence-based, proportionate and ethically implemented.
Doctor Kumar says their position is guided by international best practice, medical ethics and a commitment to protecting both public safety and individual rights.
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