Authenticity of dope test under scanner in Muktsar

Archit Watts

Tribune News Service

Muktsar, July 11

The authenticity of dope tests being conducted by the health authorities in Muktsar has come under scanner with suspicion arising over changing of urine samples at the local Civil Hospital.

This test was earlier being conducted for applying for fresh arms licence or for renewal. Now, the state government has made it mandatory for all government employees in state. A fee of Rs 1,500 is charged for the test.

The issue came to light when an elderly man from Gidderbaha alleged that hospital staff took some money from him and changed his test report.

To verify the allegations, when the Deputy Commissioner, along with the SDM, recently visited the hospital, he found that the test applicants were going to the public toilet to collect their urine samples.

“Since we can’t install any CCTV camera in the toilet, there is a possibility of changing the urine sample. If two or more persons are standing in the toilet and an addict submits the urine sample of another person, we don’t have any mechanism to check it. However, now I have ordered to streamline everything and the test applicants will be sent to the toilet having capacity of just one person. Further, they will be frisked before entering the toilet,” said Deputy Commissioner Sumeet Jarangal, who has an MBBS degree.

“I am also holding a meeting with the health staff. Presently, the test is being conducted at the Civil Hospital in the district headquarters. The hospital staff informed me that nearly 100 people come daily to undergo the test, but they are able to conduct it for about 40-45 people. We will also request the higher-ups to provide the testing facility at sub-divisional hospitals as well,” he added.

Notably, the district has more than 20,000 arms licence holders.

Dr Sukhpal Singh, Chief Medical Officer, Muktsar, said, “The possibility of changing urine samples in public toilets can’t be ruled out. We have asked our class-IV employees to remain vigilant. Further, I have sought comments from the Deputy Medical Commissioner and Senior Medical Officer about the allegation.”