The Security Bureau's Narcotics Division has written to schools to confirm the inclusion of etomidate in voluntary drug testing under the Healthy School Programme in the 2025-26 school year.

The Narcotics Division today met non-governmental organisations that administer the drug tests to work out details of etomidate testing under the programme.

Procedures for etomidate testing will follow that of other drugs, under which participating schools can opt for rapid urine tests or hair tests, and testing will only be conducted after receiving a student's consent.

Personal data collected during voluntary testing are protected under the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance. The testing procedures and implementation details are contained in the updated "Reference Protocol for the School Drug Testing Scheme".

The Healthy School Programme, supported by the Beat Drugs Fund, comprises diversified personal growth activities and voluntary school drug testing for students to enhance their resolve to stay away from drugs and encourage those in need to seek help.

More than half of Hong Kong's secondary schools take part in the programme. Apart from etomidate, voluntary school testing covers drugs including ketamine, ecstasy, methylamphetamine, cannabis and cocaine.

Comprehensive support is incorporated into the programme, including counselling, treatment, rehabilitation and referral services to handle and follow up on relevant cases.