A state-of-the-art mobile laboratory bus has been handed over to the National Transport Medical Institute (NTMI) to strengthen drug testing among drivers and assistants operating public transport services.
The bus was officially handed over by the Ministry of Health and Mass Media yesterday (10), with Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa presenting the relevant documents to NTMI Chairman Prof. Clifford Perera.
The mobile laboratory is expected to enable authorities to conduct drug testing more efficiently and systematically among public transport personnel suspected of driving or working under the influence of drugs.
It will be deployed as part of the mobile drug-testing programme implemented under the Road Safety Action Plan of the Ministry of Transport, Highways and Urban Development.
Authorities expect the facility to strengthen roadside drug-testing operations and improve enforcement aimed at reducing drug-impaired driving in the public transport sector.
