The Sindh government has launched a major initiative to address the rising issue of drug use among students by implementing medical screenings in public colleges across the province.

The Secretary of College Education, Asif Ikram, issued a formal notification according to which a three-member committee has been set up under the College Education Department.

This committee includes the Director General of Colleges Sindh, the Regional Director of the respective district, and the principal of the concerned college.

The committee’s Terms of Reference (TORs) have been outlined, under which the medical team will be responsible for overseeing the screening, which can be conducted through surprise visits to any public college.

Dr. Naveed Rabb, Director General of Colleges Sindh, explained that health department teams will carry out the medical screenings.

The government is working with the health department to determine which colleges will be selected for the screenings and what criteria will be used.

He also noted that strategies are being developed to encourage student participation in the screenings.

The Sindh government’s Anti-Narcotics Department, along with other relevant agencies, is collaborating on the effort to eliminate drug use from educational institutions.

In addition to the medical tests, the government will organize seminars, workshops, and awareness sessions in colleges to educate students about the dangers of drug use and how it affects their education and future prospects.