The New Zealand government is taking steps to expedite the registration process for overseas doctors as part of its strategy to combat a long-term shortage of medical professionals. Health Minister Shane Reti announced on Tuesday that while the focus remains on developing a home-grown health workforce, internationally qualified specialists are essential in delivering quality healthcare to New Zealanders.
The Medical Council’s fast-track pathway is available for specialists trained in various fields, including anesthesia, dermatology, emergency medicine, general practice, internal medicine, pathology, and psychiatry. Starting November 1, medical graduates from Britain, Ireland, and Australia will have their registration applications assessed within 20 working days, a significant reduction from the previous processing time of up to six months.
In addition to facilitating overseas doctors’ entry into the workforce, the government is also considering establishing a third medical school in the country, alongside the existing Auckland and Otago Medical Schools, to increase the number of domestically trained doctors