Executive Yuan Plans 6 Hospitals to Set Up Buffer Zones for Drug Testing, Aiming to Increase Capacity by 8,600 Cases

(CNA, Taipei, June 18) Executive Yuan Minister without Portfolio Chen Shih-chung said today that the central government's testing capacity for new psychoactive substances has exceeded its limit. Therefore, plans are underway to establish buffer zones in six public hospitals to supplement testing capacity by approximately 8,600 cases. The National Police Agency will also increase the testing capacity of municipal police bureaus. It is hoped that the Legislative Yuan will review the budget as soon as possible to support these new initiatives.

To strengthen drug prevention and combat drug-impaired driving, the Executive Yuan recently introduced a series of legislative amendments, including increased penalties for drug-impaired driving and preventive license suspension for drug users. The Ministry of Justice will also elevate isoflurane-related substances to Class 1 narcotics. Premier Cho Jung-tai, after presiding over the Executive Yuan's Drug Control Meeting today, held a press conference with Ministers without Portfolio Chen Shih-chung and Chi Lien-cheng to explain the central government's actions.

Chen Shih-chung stated that the evolution of drugs is beyond imagination, with a significant increase in cases from last year to this year. The ability of judicial units to implement relevant dispositions and penalties relies on front-end testing. Therefore, expanding and accelerating testing capacity is a crucial task for medical and health units.

Chen Shih-chung said that the central government's current testing capacity for new psychoactive substances has exceeded its limit. Last year, 21,000 cases were planned, but 23,000 cases actually occurred. The excessive workload has also slowed down testing efficiency, thereby reducing the tools available to law enforcement agencies.

Chen Shih-chung explained that entrusting private entities with testing new psychoactive substances requires a procedural process. Therefore, the plan is to utilize public hospitals to establish buffer zones to enhance testing capacity. Currently, discussions are underway with six hospitals, including Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, and military hospitals, to supplement approximately 8,600 testing cases. These plans are currently in progress.

Chen Shih-chung added that buffer zones were originally established within central testing institutions. However, because the current screening items are insufficient, new testing items need to be added. He has also tasked the Food and Drug Administration with expediting the certification process to expand testing items as soon as possible. The National Police Agency is also increasing the testing capacity of municipal police bureaus, planning for financial subsidies, and establishing an information management system to improve efficiency in allocation.

Chen Shih-chung pointed out that these measures aim to increase the number of testing items and accelerate efficiency, thereby helping judicial agencies enhance deterrence and block drugs. However, these are all still in the planning stages and are new initiatives. He strongly hopes that the Legislative Yuan will review the relevant budget promptly so that the government can act more quickly to protect the health of more citizens. (Editor: Lin Shu-yuan) 1150618

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