Of around thirty officials from the Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB), none tested positive for a drug test conducted yesterday. The drug test for its officials was the first mile of the Council’s journey towards achieving a drug-free tourism sector in the country.
TCB in collaboration with the Bhutan Narcotics Control Authority (BNCA) conducted the drug test. The officials were required to provide their urine samples for the test which was carried out using test kits that can detect ten different types of drugs.
“This will basically help in enhancing the service delivery by the TCB officials, to the Tsa-Wa-Sum, as civil servants. I think we can do so if we are not into substance abuse,” said Dorji Dhradhul, the Director-General of the TCB.
He added, if anyone tests positive, the Council will send him/her to rehabilitation centres for treatment.
The BNCA also conducted a drug test for eight officials from the Guide Association of Bhutan. There too no one tested positive.
The TCB together with the BNCA will also be conducting a mandatory drug test for tourist guides in the country as well, starting next month.
“The drug test is not to penalize the guides but more so to intervene, to provide them timely treatment,” said Phuntsho Wangdi, the Director-General of BNCA.
The drug tests were carried in keeping with the Civil Service Rules and Regulations 2018 and the Tourism Rules and Regulations 2017. As per the Bhutan Civil Service Rules and Regulations 2018, a civil servant shall respect and undergo medical test, drug test and treatment plan as prescribed by the competent authority or agency.
The Code of Conduct for tourist guides in the tourism Rules and Regulation 2017, mandates that a guide at no given time, be under the influence of alcohol or narcotics, cigarettes or any other banned substances.
Pema Seldon Tshering
