A union of doctors estimates that more than 200,000 motorists are awaiting medical evaluation for driver’s license applications because it warns that if people bypass their general practitioners and choose independent practitioners, they may have a “serious impact” on road safety.
The British Medical Association (BMA) has sent a letter Ministry of Transportation call government A “safety first” approach when managing the backlog.
The union stated that the number of people waiting was increasing every month, and warned that it would be risky to avoid queuing by visiting independent doctors. If they do not have a complete medical history, medical conditions may be manipulated intentionally or unintentionally.
Only the individual GP clinic can access the patient’s complete medical records, so only they know if the person is suitable to drive
BMA has written to Baroness Vale The Deputy Secretary of State of the Parliament of the Ministry of Transportation expressed his “concern that this method of self-reporting is neither wise nor safe” and called for a method involving individual general practitioners.
The organization also urged the authorities to treat people “honestly” to the backlog and how long it would take to resolve the problem.
Dr. Peter Holden, Chairman of the BMA Professional Fees Committee, said: “Across the country, thousands of drivers need to obtain a’suitable to drive’ medical certificate in order to obtain or renew their driver’s license.
“We know that some of these drivers are aware of the current DVLA Backlog, bypassing the queues of their own general practitioner clinics and going to third-party registered doctors.
“The problem here is that only the individual GP clinic can access the patient’s complete medical records, so only they know whether the person is suitable to drive.
“By seeking the’signature’ of independent practitioners, they only need what the patient says, and they may intentionally or unintentionally underestimate the medical conditions, which has had a serious impact on road safety.
“With this in mind, the government must ensure that there is a procedure for the applicant’s general practitioner to participate.
“It is also important that the government and the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) are frank with the public how long it will take for these backlogs to be cleared in order to manage expectations, and that patients will not start calling their GP clinics multiple times While they are waiting for medical evaluation.”
A DVLA spokesperson said that additional staff and night shifts will help resolve the backlog.
They said, “We welcome BMA’s decision, Royal College of General Practitioners After being temporarily deprioritized during the pandemic, review DVLA medical.
“According to the law, all drivers must meet healthy medical standards at all times, and additional checks on bus and truck drivers must be carried out.
“We have developed plans to reduce the current backlog of medical applications by increasing staff and working night shifts, and are also taking other measures to improve our surge capacity and help process applications faster.”
