Inclusion of etomidate under voluntary testing of Healthy School Programme
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The ND today met with non-governmental organisations responsible for administering the drug tests to work out the details of etomidate testing under the Healthy School Programme. The procedures for etomidate testing will follow that of other drugs - participating schools may opt for rapid urine tests or hair tests under the current testing procedures, and testing will only be conducted after receiving a student's consent. Personal data collected during the voluntary testing are protected under the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance (Cap. 486). The testing procedures and implementation details can be found in the updated "Reference Protocol for the School Drug Testing Scheme" (www.nd.gov.hk/en/HSP.html).
The Healthy School Programme, supported by the Beat Drugs Fund, is a school-based anti-drug education initiative. The Programme is divided into two parts, including diversified personal growth activities and voluntary school drug testing by students. It aims to enhance students' resolve to stay away from drugs, establish a drug-free culture in schools, and encourage those in need to seek help. Currently, more than half of Hong Kong's secondary schools participate in the Programme. Apart from etomidate, the voluntary school testing covers drugs including ketamine, ecstasy, methylamphetamine, cannabis, and cocaine. The Programme incorporates comprehensive downstream support programmes, which include counselling, treatment, rehabilitation and referral services to handle and follow up on relevant cases.
The ND will continue to closely communicate with schools and testing teams of non-governmental organisations and review the operation of the Healthy School Programme from time to time in response to prevailing drug trends. For enquiries about the Programme, the ND can be reached by phone at 2867 5974/2867 5975/2867 5976 or by email at sb-hspdt@sb.gov.hk.
Ends/Tuesday, August 12, 2025
Issued at HKT 18:00
Issued at HKT 18:00
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