The Long-Distance Drivers and Conductors Association (LoDDCA) has raised concerns over alleged medical tests being carried out without informed consent at highway medical camps.
In a statement on December 30, LoDDCA said it had received complaints from drivers who attended outreach camps for routine services such as blood sugar and eyesight checks.
However, later drivers learn that additional and sensitive tests had been conducted without proper explanation, counselling or written consent.
“Some drivers have reported attending highway medical camps for routine services such as blood sugar or eyesight checks, only to later discover that additional tests were conducted without clear explanation, counseling, or written consent. Such practices, if confirmed, are inconsistent with accepted medical ethics and patients’ rights,” read part of the statement.
Drivers Flags Unconsented Medical Testing at Highway Outreach Camps
LoDDCA warned that if confirmed, such practices would violate medical ethics and infringe on patients’ rights.
The association reminded drivers that clinicians are required to clearly explain all procedures, obtain consent before conducting any test, and provide counselling along with written consent for sensitive screenings, including HIV tests.
While reiterating its support for medical outreach programmes targeting the mobile transport community, LoDDCA emphasized that all health services must uphold the dignity, autonomy, and human rights of drivers.
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The association further urged organisations conducting outreach along transport corridors to engage the community beforehand, ensuring that individuals are fully informed and able to make voluntary decisions.
Drivers who experience or witness unconsented tests are encouraged to report the incidents promptly to enable proper follow-up and corrective action.
“Members who experience or witness such malpractices are encouraged to report the incidents promptly to enable follow-up and appropriate corrective action,” ended the statement.
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NTSA Proposes Annual Medical Checks for Drivers Over 60
The uproar follows the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA )’s proposal that drivers aged 60 and above renew their licences every year and submit a mandatory medical report to prove their fitness to remain on the road.
In an interview on December 18, NTSA’s Manager for Road Safety Programs, Samuel Musumba, said the move is a safety measure aimed at protecting older drivers and other road users, rather than an intrusion into their private health matters.
“Once you hit 60 years, you will be required to renew your license every year and not every three years,” Musumba said.
“We will be asking you for a medical report. It is not about knowing what you are going through, but it will be a report just like any other.”
However, the proposal has yet to be presented to Parliament for enactment into law.
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