Nghe An: Health check for more than 1,000 drivers, determined to eliminate drug-addicted drivers

On the morning of November 13, at Vinh Bus Station, Nghe An Department of Transport coordinated with Nghe An Automobile Transport Association to organize health check-ups for drivers.

This is the fifth year that the Department of Transport (DOT) has coordinated with a number of Nghe An Automobile Transport Associations to organize periodic and focused health checks for drivers in the area. The health checks are carried out seriously, under the close supervision of the Department of Transport staff, doctors and company representatives.

This time, more than 1,000 drivers from 20 automobile transport companies will receive periodic health check-ups. Photo: Thanh Le

During the two days from November 13-14, more than 1,000 drivers of 20 transport businesses will undergo health checks. The examination process includes the following steps: checking weight, vision, eyes, color vision, cardiovascular system, blood pressure, ears, nose, throat, dermatology, teeth, jaw, face... and mandatory drug testing according to new regulations of the Ministry of Health.

Mr. Nguyen Van Hung - Chairman of Nghe An Automobile Transport Association affirmed: Health check-up for drivers is not only the right but also the obligation of each enterprise when employing labor. Thereby, drivers know their health status in order to drive to ensure safety for passengers.

Automatic blood pressure check. Photo Thanh Le

Head of the Department of Vehicle and Driver Management, Department of Transport Tran Anh Tuan said: Implementing the regulations of the Ministry of Transport, the Department of Transport annually requires transport enterprises to organize periodic health check-ups for drivers. This is a regular activity serving the political tasks of the transport sector.

"Through health check-ups, businesses can classify drivers' health, eliminate drivers using drugs, and at the same time deter and remind drivers not to fall into drug addiction," Mr. Tuan emphasized.

In 2017, the Department of Transport coordinated with the Nghe An Automobile Transport Association to conduct health checks on 1,485 drivers, thereby detecting 10 drivers with signs of drug use and requested automobile transport businesses to terminate contracts with these drivers.

After receiving the health examination results for the driver team, the Department of Transport requires transport businesses to make a list of health examination results for drivers, report to the Department, and resolutely not allow businesses to use drivers who do not meet health requirements to drive vehicles.