A single visit to a health centre doctor is not enough to assess the mental health of a gun license applicant. The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health issued the caution in guidelines handed down on Thursday.
The Ministry emphasised that not even a more in-depth mental health evaluation is a guarantee that a prospective gun-owner will meet the requirements for gun ownership in the future.
The Ministry says that in this light a doctor's health certificate is only a snapshot of the individual's state of health at a particular point in time. The doctor issuing the certificate also has an obligation to ensure that in recording his findings or the information he uncovers, he does not appear to be taking a position on the applicant's state of health.
A medical certificate is one source of information about would-be firearms owners that helps police officers decide on granting a gun permit. However police make use of other sources of information in assessing the applicant's mental health and suitability to carry a firearm.
The guidelines provided on Thursday were issued in accordance with new requirements for gun ownership laid down by the Interior Ministry.
The Interior Ministry declared that future applications for gun licenses must be supported by medical certificates.