License renewal: Kerala MVD limits certification to State Medical Council doctors, troubling expats

Thiruvananthapuram: Expatriates are struggling with the Kerala Motor Vehicles Department’s (MVD) latest requirement that only medical certificates from doctors in the state will be accepted for driving license renewal.

Under the new rule, the MVD will only recognise medical certificates issued by doctors registered with the State Medical Council. This has left expatriates in a dilemma, as they cannot use certificates from Indian doctors practising abroad, even if they hold valid medical licenses.

Eye and medical certificates from approved doctors are mandatory for license renewal. While the introduction of an online system has made it easier for expatriates to renew their licenses, the ‘only Kerala doctor’ requirement has now made the process difficult for them.

Many Indian doctors are licensed to practise in the UAE and other Gulf countries, but their registrations are not recognised by the Kerala MVD. 

There are also allegations of bribery linked to the rule. Some officials reject applications by claiming that the doctor's registration is invalid. However, if approached through intermediaries, the same applications are reportedly accepted.