Varadkar to remove training post barriers for overseas doctors

Minister for Health Leo Varadkar has promised to remove barriers preventing many overseas doctors from accessing training positions leading to consultant posts.

Mr Varadkar plans to introduce legislation removing the need for overseas doctors from many countries to produce certification before they can register as trainee specialists.

More than one-third of doctors working in Ireland were trained overseas, but many are prohibited by legislation from accessing training posts. Only doctors from Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Sudan, South Africa and Pakistan can enter training jobs or specialisations.

Other non-EU doctors cannot apply for training jobs, regardless of their qualifications or experience.

Overseas Medics of Ireland has welcomed the change and praised Mr Varadkar for bringing forward the legislation. However, the group warned up to 100 overseas doctors may leave Ireland because of the delay in implementing it in advance of the deadline for applying for posts in October.

‘Modern slavery’

Dr Shakya Bhattacharjee

, general secretary of the group, described the situation as “a sophisticated form of modern slavery”. “We’re allowed to work, but not to get training. It doesn’t make sense,” he said.

The Minister said his department would make “every effort” to introduce amending legislation to give effect to the change by the end of this year.

In a letter to overseas doctor representatives, Mr Varadkar acknowledged the difficulties many face in accessing the trainee specialist division of the medical register but said he was also aware of the need to balance Ireland’s national policy on self-sufficiency in doctors with provisions in relation to medical education.