No decision to remove vehicle passes of doctors and lawyers: Nalinda

• Police or Department of Motor Traffic has not taken any decision to remove vehicle passes of doctors and lawyers  

By Ajith Siriwardana and Yohan Perera  
Refuting reports on a move to ban vehicle passes of doctors and lawyers, Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa yesterday assured that no decision has been taken to remove vehicle passes of doctors and lawyers as reported.   
He told Parliament that it is important for doctors to have vehicle passes as it will help them enter the hospital without any hassle.   
“A doctor’s car pass is important not only during an emergency situation but even when doctors enter hospitals for normal duties. Hospital security staff cannot identify a doctor’s vehicle among many vehicles entering a hospital. They can do so easily due to the car passes,” he said.   
Responding to a question by MP Rohitha Abeygunawardhane, the Minister said the Police or Department of Motor Traffic has not taken any decision to remove the vehicle passes of doctors and lawyers.   
MP Abeygunawardhane quoting an article published in a state newspaper, said vehicle passes of doctors and lawyers will be removed.   
“The Minister has now given the green light for doctors and lawyers to display their vehicle passes. The Minister’s assurance will clear any doubt on the matter,’ he said.