University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) has opened the first drug testing centre in the South-South geopolitical zone, with a mandate to screen for substance abuse and tackle its growing health and social consequences in the region.

The Chief Medical Director (CMD) of UBTH, Prof. Idia Ize-Iyamu, disclosed this on Thursday at a stakeholders’ workshop on the screening of alcohol and substance abuse, which culminated in the unveiling of the centre in Benin City, Edo State.

Ize-Iyamu said the initiative marked a major step in the hospital’s collective efforts towards prevention, early intervention, safer communities and improved health outcomes, stressing that substance abuse had become an increasing concern in society.

According to her, the consequences of substance abuse include impaired judgement, road traffic accidents, violence, broken families, poor academic and occupational performance, declining productivity and, in severe cases, loss of life.

She said the centre would screen for substances including amphetamines, benzodiazepines, marijuana/cannabis, ethanol, fentanyl, methadone, tramadol and barbiturates, noting that the dangers associated with their abuse could be devastating.

The CMD explained that excessive use of amphetamines could cause agitation, high blood pressure, anxiety and impaired judgement, while benzodiazepines could result in excessive sedation, poor coordination and memory problems, particularly when combined with alcohol or opioids.

Ize-Iyamu further warned that cannabis could impair memory, concentration and judgement, while excessive alcohol consumption could contribute to accidents, violence, dependence and liver disease.

She added that fentanyl, methadone and tramadol could cause respiratory depression, dependence, seizures and other serious complications when misused.

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

Stakeholders at the workshop included the Edo State Commissioner for Public Safety and Security, Hon. Festus O. Ebea; Commander, Narcotics, NDLEA Edo State Command, Commander Mitchell Ofoyeju; Chief Magistrate, Delta State Judiciary, Mrs Tegwolo Okungbowa; and Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 5, Mr Monday Agbonika, among others.

•PHOTO CAPTION: The Chief Medical Director of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Prof. Idia Ize-Iyamu (5th Left) in handshake with Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 5, Mr. Monday Agbonika, flanked by Edo State Commissioner for Public Safety and Security, Hon. Festus Ebea, Commander, Narcotics, NDLEA Edo State Command, Commander Mitchell Ofoyeju, Chief Magistrate, Delta State Judiciary, Mrs. Tegwolo Okungbowa and other participants during a stakeholders workshop and unveiling of the Drug Testing Centre at UBTH in Benin, Edo on Thursday.