HS Wants Welcoming Approach To Overseas Doctors

The Health Secretary Sophia Chan says any proposal to attract overseas-trained doctors should be non-discriminatory and be relaxed enough to convince them to apply.

A recently floated idea from the Medical Council involved relaxing internship requirements for these doctors. But it was criticised by the government for giving a bad impression, as it apparently favoured those who opt to work for the Hospital Authority. The authority manages Hong Kong's public hospitals, where there is a severe shortage of doctors.

The Chief Executive Carrie Lam has called for an agreement that provides equal treatment for all doctors who come from abroad,

Professor Chan was speaking after the second meeting between her bureau and various groups that help to form the Medical Council.

She says the meeting was constructive and harmonious. And she suggested there should be more discussion on attracting front-line doctors.

"Other than specialists, we should also look at the intermediate, as well as the fresh graduates, and how to attract them to come back," she said, referring to the doctors - many of whom received their secondary education in Hong Kong.

Professor Chan also said existing application procedures should be streamlined for limited registration doctors.