DOH okays ‘fit to work’ seal for 4 DPWH workers under drug rehab

MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, March 21 (PNA) -– After five months of drug rehabilitation, the Department of Health Treatment and Rehabilitation Center (DOH-TRC) has certified four employees of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) as “fit to work.”

DPWH Southern Leyte District Engineering Office (SLDEO) chief Ma. Margarita Junia was elated with the recovery progress of these workers, who were found positive of drug use during the August 2015 drug test, along with other 17 employees.

“This is a big step in our goal to help these employees completely abandon illegal drugs, return to normal life and be more productive,” Junia said. These four workers consist of two drivers, a construction foreman and an engineer.

The DOH-TRC issued the certificates to four employees, in a simple awarding ceremony on March 16 at the DPWH Area Equipment Service compound in Ibarra village, this city, after they were found negative of drug use during the series of assessment that has been conducted since October 7, 2015.

Michael Tenebro, chief health program officer of DOH-TRC based in Dulag, Leyte said the certification is just probationary and may be revoked in cases of relapse and misconduct of patients.

“They are still required to complete the recovery program by regularly attending the weekly outpatient service program (OPS) sessions and subject himself for random drug tests so as to promote continued recovery,” Tenebro said.

Junia initiated assisting in the recovery process of 23 workers giving them “chances to change”, but only 16 of them opted join the weekly OPS sessions being done by DOH-TRC.

The district office had required permanent employees to undergo a mandatory rehabilitation program. Dismissed job order workers are given the option to go through the recovery process.

Junia urged other 12 workers, who are on the road to recovery, to draw inspirations from four employees certified as “fit to work.”

The SLDEO provided a space at the SLDEO Area Equipment Service compound for the conduct of weekly session for drug users. The session, which started in October 2015, will conclude in August 2016, according to DOH-TRC.

To recall, 23 employees were found positive of illegal drugs use – 17 are job order workers and six permanent personnel during the August 17, 2015 drug test. (PNA)
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