Drug tests on corrections officers breached protocol, tribunal hears

The Tribunal Court in Suva has heard that the random drug test conducted on five Fiji Corrections Service (FCS) officers was not in line with any drug testing policy.

Fiji Medical Association, president Dr Alipate Vakamocea gave this evidence in court during the on-going tribunal inquiry into the suspension of FCS Commissioner, Jalesi Nakarawa.

It was heard that a drug testing policy only came into effect after the tests were conducted and officers were fired.

Dr Vakamocea testified that every drug test is only conducted after comprehensive history of the patient is taken. This is to avoid any oversight after the result of the test.

Dr Vakamocea’s evidence is in line with his recommendation to Assistant Commissioner Administration, Rusiate Batiratu, when he inquired about the results of one of the officers that was tested positive for the illicit drug, Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA).

In his account, Dr Vakamocea said everything from Vakaloloma Nakarawa’s (Mr Nakarawa's wife) appointment as the nurse practitioner was unethical because she was unqualified for the position.

He said Ms Nakarawa was teaching for 10 years, and according to the Fiji Medical Association law, any nurse that wanted to return to practising must undergo a set of practical clinical tests.

He told the court that Mr Nakarawa’s ordering of random drug tests was unethical. Dr Vakamocea said the drug test was an advanced test that was outside Ms Nakarawa’s scope.

Ms Nakarawa did not have the expertise to make referrals for drug testing, nor can she interpret the result without a medical officer or doctor.

Dr Vakamocea said this could also be unlawful because there was no policy or guideline back then to help them through the process.

He told the court a complaint from Dr Rayvan Singh was brought to their attention where he had contended that his termination was without cause.

He said the timeframe of his dismissal and the appointment of Ms Nakarawa was also contentious and thought to be personally motivated.

He said this was the first time in a decade for him to see a professional doctor to be dismissed without cause.

The tribunal hearing continues today.