Edo: UBTH Unveils Drug Testing Centre to Tackle Rising Substance Abuse

The University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin City, Edo State, has launched a dedicated drug testing centre as part of efforts to tackle the growing problem of substance abuse in the South-South region.

The Chief Medical Director of UBTH, Prof. Idia Ize-Iyamu, announced the development on Thursday at a stakeholders’ workshop on alcohol and substance abuse screening, where the facility was officially unveiled.

According to Ize-Iyamu, UBTH is the first teaching hospital in the South-South geopolitical zone to establish a dedicated drug testing centre.

She described the initiative as a significant step towards prevention, early intervention and improved health outcomes, noting that it was established in response to growing concerns over the impact of substance abuse on individuals, families and communities.

The new centre will screen for several substances, including amphetamines, benzodiazepines, marijuana/cannabis, ethanol, fentanyl, methadone, tramadol and barbiturates.

“Today is more than the opening of a facility. It is a further step in our collective effort towards prevention, early intervention, safer communities, and better health outcomes,” Ize-Iyamu said.

The CMD noted that substance abuse can contribute to impaired judgment, road traffic accidents, violence, family breakdown, poor academic and workplace performance, reduced productivity and loss of lives.

She stressed that the consequences could be severe regardless of the particular substance involved.

Ize-Iyamu also explained that amphetamines, commonly known as “speed” or “uppers,” can cause agitation, increased heart rate, high blood pressure, anxiety and impaired judgment, while severe cases may lead to psychosis and seizures.

Substance Abuse Linked to Domestic Violence

Also speaking at the event, the Director of the Forensics and DNA Centre at the University of Benin, Prof. Eddy Ehikhamenor, linked the rising incidence of domestic violence to substance abuse.

Ehikhamenor called for stronger collaboration among relevant government agencies, healthcare professionals and other stakeholders to tackle the problem and reduce its impact on families and society.