Dubai: The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) of Dubai has made it mandatory for accredited hospitals and medical clinics that treat and give drivers of heavy trucks, buses and taxis the green light to work after an illness to post the treatment duration in the online system of such driving permits.
“Obliging hospitals to specify the treatment period and the type of treatment is extremely important prior to the issuance of occupational permits to drivers of heavy trucks, buses and taxis, which in turn consolidates the governance systems through setting out procedural controls for the medical test,” Jamal Assada, Director of Drivers Testing, RTA Licensing Agency, was quoted as saying by Gulf News.
Professional drivers who are suffering from certain illnesses are required to take the prescribed medical treatment before appearing for retesting in order to ensure a safe driving practice for the driver, road users and roads, the report said.
“Medical check-ups include measuring diabetes and blood pressure, and detecting various eyesight-related ailments that constitute a realistic driving hazard. Adopting the British Medical Standards, the medical testing system in Dubai is at par with the European Standards, which are among the best in the industry,” Assada reportedly said.
Around 114,000 drivers were tested in Dubai from the fourth quarter of 2013 to mid-2016, resulting in the suspension of driving licences of more than 1,400 drivers, said the news portal.
“Stating the type and duration of treatment in the doctor’s prescription will generate safe results towards ensuring a sound driving environment. This requirement is particularly relevant following the introduction of the unified online system comprising all procedural matters — starting from medical tests, test results up to the final issuance of the occupational permit,” Assada reportedly said.
The tests are conducted in a number of hospitals and clinics all over Dubai, the names of which are listed on the RTA website (www.rta.ae). For more information, call RTA’s contact centre (8009090), reported Gulf News.
