New Zealand fast-tracks overseas doctors’ registration to address shortage

The New Zealand government has moved to fast-track overseas doctors’ registration as part of a plan to address the long-term doctor shortage.

Health Minister Shane Reti said on Tuesday that “while we work to build our own, home-grown health workforce, internationally qualified specialists continue to have a critical role in providing quality health services for New Zealanders.”

According to the Medical Council, the fast-track pathway applies to specialists trained in anesthesia, dermatology, emergency medicine, general practice, internal medicine, pathology and psychiatry.

Medical graduates from Britain, Ireland and Australia will be able to have their registration applications assessed within 20 working days, from Nov. 1, instead of up to six months before.

The New Zealand government has moved to fast-track overseas doctors’ registration as part of a plan to address the long-term doctor shortage.

Health Minister Shane Reti said on Tuesday that “while we work to build our own, home-grown health workforce, internationally qualified specialists continue to have a critical role in providing quality health services for New Zealanders.”

According to the Medical Council, the fast-track pathway applies to specialists trained in anesthesia, dermatology, emergency medicine, general practice, internal medicine, pathology and psychiatry.

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Medical graduates from Britain, Ireland and Australia will be able to have their registration applications assessed within 20 working days, from Nov. 1, instead of up to six months before.

The minister said as part of the plan to address the doctor shortage, the government is also exploring a third medical school in the country after the current Auckland and Otago Medical Schools to bring on more domestically trained doctors.