Doctor gave cab drivers all-clear without checks
A DOCTOR who declared 127 taxi drivers were fit to work without even looking at their medical records has been suspended for just four weeks.
Dr Bimal Singh cleared cabbies to drive their taxies despite some having suicidal tendencies
Dr Bimal Singh, 65, carried out “medicals” on cabbies who were applying for or renewing their licences during 2014 and 2015.
But a tribunal heard he completed certificates of fitness to drive taxis without even checking their medical histories.
One of the drivers was an alcoholic who had mental health issues and made three suicide attempts in 2012, the Manchester Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service heard.
Your misleading behaviour had potentially serious consequences for public safety
Ten other drivers’ medical histories were raised, with issues highlighted including back pain, hypertension, depression and, in one driver’s case, psychotic episodes associated with cannabis abuse.
Dr Singh, of Hartlepool, admitted making false declarations about the fitness to drive of the applicants but denied his actions were misleading and/or dishonest.
He was suspended for just one month after the tribunal ruled any longer sanction would be “punitive”.
The tribunal has suspended the doctor for one month
The tribunal ruling said: “Your misleading behaviour had potentially serious consequences for public safety.
“Your actions potentially put members of the public who use taxis, as well as other road users and pedestrians, at risk.”
Dr Singh said: “I made a mistake and I have apologised for that.”