An ultra-modern mobile bus to catch drug-using drivers

With the aim of activating and streamlining drug use testing activities conducted on drivers and assistants engaged in public transport services, the Ministry of Health and Mass Media has donated a state-of-the-art mobile laboratory bus to the National Transport Medical Institute. In parallel with the road safety plan implemented by the Ministry of Transport, Highways and Urban Development, this step has been taken to ensure a more qualitative and safe transport service by protecting the lives of passengers.

At a special program held at the Ministry of Health and Mass Media, Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa handed over the official file belonging to the mobile laboratory bus to Professor Clifford Perera, Chairman of the National Transport Medical Institute. The main objective of this program is to minimize road accidents by incorporating drug-free, responsible drivers and assistants into the public transport service.

Speaking at the occasion, Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa stated that investigations into some road accidents occurring in the country have revealed that the drivers involved are addicted to drugs. The Minister said that this mobile laboratory bus was provided in response to a request to provide necessary facilities to strengthen the testing program implemented by the Medical Unit of the Ministry of Transport.

The Minister further pointed out that this bus, which was also received as a donation by the Ministry of Health and Mass Media, had been used for various testing activities in several districts in the past, and since laboratory facilities have expanded in the health sector at present, it was decided to assign it to such an essential task that directly contributes to public safety.

For this official handover ceremony, Deputy Minister of Health Dr. Hansaka Wijemuni, Additional Secretaries of the Ministry of Health and Mass Media, Specialist Doctor Kumara Wickramasinghe, Janaka Kithsiri Gunawardena, Harshani Sirinama, and Director of Transport Muditha Wimalasena, along with a group of officials from both ministries, were present.