In a statement issued on Saturday, the Fund dismissed the rumours as false, clarifying that random drug testing currently applies only to a limited group of individuals — including employees of state institutions, workers in public-interest private organisations, and school bus and highway drivers — under Law No. 73 of 2021.
The law, ratified by President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi, was introduced following a series of fatal road and train accidents linked to drug use among drivers.
Since 2019, authorities have carried out random drug screenings at workplaces as part of a broader campaign to curb drug abuse.
Testing is carried out by a joint team from the Fund, the General Secretariat for Mental Health and Addiction Treatment, and the Authority of Forensic Medicine.
Samples that test positive are sent to central laboratories for confirmation, ensuring that results are not skewed by the use of legal medications.
The Fund also said that the testing procedures are highly accurate and able to distinguish between illegal drug use — such as hashish or heroin — and the presence of legal substances.
Employees who fail the initial test have the right to appeal and undergo further assessment, including lab retesting or a clinical exam, before any disciplinary action is taken.
If drug use is confirmed, the employee is dismissed under the provisions of the law.
However, the Fund emphasized that individuals who seek treatment voluntarily before testing campaigns reach their workplace are offered confidential, free care and are not subject to legal penalties.
The Fund urged the public to rely on official sources for accurate information and to ignore “unfounded” claims circulating online.
A 24/7 hotline (16023) remains available to provide support and referrals to the Fund’s 34 nationwide treatment centres.
According to earlier data, more than 66,000 people sought treatment and counselling through the Fund in the first five months of 2024.
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