Oct 09, Colombo: The doctors' union of Sri Lanka, Government Medical Officer's Association (GMOA) says that unqualified doctors were engaged in issuing medical certificates for driving licenses.

The GMOA says that by hiring unqualified doctors, the Motor Traffic Department has violated the Sri Lanka Medical Council (SLMC) Ordinance.

GMOA General Committee Member, Dr. Nalinda Herath has said that the Clause 29 of the SLMC Ordinance states that only a doctor with an MBBS or similar qualifications has the mandate to issue such certificates.

He has noted that the Department continued to accept medical certificates issued by unqualified doctors after the Medical Unit of the Department had said it was illegal to accept certificates issued by Assistant Medical Practitioners and Registered Medical Officers.

According to Dr. Herath, the current system has created a risk of unsuitable persons being issued with driving licenses.