Kazakhstan saw a sharp surge this summer in the issuance of medical certificates of Form 073/u for drivers: while nearly 37,000 documents were issued in June, the figure quadrupled by August. The Ministry of Health explained the reason for the rush, reports infohub.kz.
"There has been a significant increase in the number of electronic certificates of Form No. 073/u. In June of this year, a total of 36,994 certificates were issued, and in July, 84,720, which is 129% more than the previous month," the ministry said in a statement.
In August, the number of issued certificates reached 147,522, rising by another 74% compared to July.
What is the reason
The Ministry of Health attributed the surge to tighter controls by the Ministry of Internal Affairs over drivers of retirement age.
"The increase in the number of electronic certificates of Form No. 073/u is due to tighter controls by the Ministry of Internal Affairs over citizens aged 65 and older, as well as persons with disabilities, who must undergo a medical examination every two years," the statement said.
Recall that new rules for drivers took effect in Kazakhstan on August 25. Now motorists over 65 must undergo a mandatory medical examination once every two years. The procedure for undergoing the professional examination was explained by the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
"Kursiv" wrote that, according to Zhibek Zholdasova, head of the Center for the Treatment of Neuroses and Alzheimer's Disease, the introduction of such professional examinations will help identify cognitive impairments that can lead to traffic accidents.
Almaty resident Irina Blok also previously shared her experience of undergoing the mandatory medical examination. She said that doctors practically did not conduct any examination.