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The following is issued on behalf of the Action Committee Against Narcotics:
The Action Committee Against Narcotics (ACAN) has held four public forums to collect views on the RESCUE Drug Testing Scheme (RDT). The last public forum was successfully held today (October 17) at the Auditorium of the Yuen Long Theatre.
The four public forums were held at various districts of Hong Kong this month, attracting more than 300 representatives from various stakeholders and members of the public to give invaluable opinions on the proposed scheme.
The ACAN Chairman, Professor Daniel Shek; the Chairman of the ACAN Sub-committee on Treatment and Rehabilitation, Dr Ben Cheung; the Chairman of the ACAN Sub-committee on Preventive Education and Publicity, Dr Tik Chi-yuen; and a number of ACAN members attended the forums to listen to suggestions and exchange views with the participants on the proposed scheme.
Professor Shek said that the forums had helped members of the public and stakeholders to better understand the challenges brought about by hidden drug abuse and the case for RDT. He encouraged them to continue to actively express their views through different channels.
Professor Shek said, "ACAN maintains an open mind on RDT and does not have any preconceived idea. Public consensus will be a prerequisite for pursuing the scheme.
"We welcome different sectors of the community to actively give their opinions. Following the end of the public consultation period, we will summarise the views received and recommend the way forward for the Government's consideration."
The public consultation will last for four months. Views can be sent to the Action Committee Against Narcotics Secretariat on or before January 24, 2014, by mail to 30/F, High Block, Queensway Government Offices, 66 Queensway, Hong Kong; by fax to 2810 1773; or by email to consultation@acan.org.hk.
Ends/Thursday, October 17, 2013
Issued at HKT 21:16
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