Now, medical tests according to job

DUBAI - Medical fitness services are being expanded to screen residents according to their profession, said a senior health official.

Services offered by the Dubai Health Authority’s medical fitness centre and in conjunction with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), will physically and mentally assess professional drivers to check their road fitness capability. Other professionals already being tested include food handlers.

As reported by Khaleej Times earlier, drivers (only professional) will have to declare their health condition at the time of licence and work permit procurement and renewal. The fee structure and other details are being worked out.

“For drivers, epilepsy and eye checkups will be part of a number of other tests,” said Maisa Al Bustani, Head of the Medical Fitness at the authority.

“We have already started testing food handlers working in free zones, for example, those working at Atlantis, The Palm in Dubai as per international standards,” she said. Other restaurant and hotel workers will also be screened according to their job descriptions, she said.

As reported earlier, other tests can include those for diabetes, fits and blackouts, giddiness, Parkinson’s disease, sleep apnoea, memory loss and other debilitating conditions.

Those with cardiac pacemakers and defibrillators, with a history of alcohol or drug dependence, and those who have undergone any major surgery, will also need to make the declaration.

Eye test reports are already a licensing requirement by the RTA.

RTA officials had said the tests would enhance road safety and reduce health-related road accidents.

The health authority is also expanding some centres and opening few others this year to accommodate a bigger number of people, said Al Bustani.

asmaalizain@khaleejtimes.com