Publicise Council Votes, Helena Wong Urges Doctors

Democratic Party lawmaker Helena Wong on Saturday called on the Medical Council to "broadcast" its voting next month on a new plan to waive internship requirements for foreign specialist doctors. She said it needed to be more "accountable" and "democratic".

The council earlier rejected four proposals to ease the way for foreign doctors to practise in Hong Kong to ease pressure on public hospitals.

It's now looking at a fifth proposal. The latest proposal would waive internships for foreign specialists who've passed local exams - but would require them to work for the Hospital Authority, Health Department or university hospitals for up to four years.

Wong also said council members' voting records should be publicised.

She called on the council to take "a modernised approach and democratic approach so that they can exercise their authority but be held accountable".

She said it needed more transparency so the public would be better informed of how the council was using its power.

Lawmakers from across the spectrum have criticised the Medical Council over the issue.

Wong has said she may move a private member's bill to allow doctors who have graduated from respected medical schools overseas to practise in Hong Kong without having to sit exams.