Australia to Fast-Track Foreign Doctors to Address Workforce Shortage
To combat the nation’s healthcare workforce shortage, Australia is implementing a new pathway to fast-track doctors from the UK, Ireland, and New Zealand. Starting next Monday, these doctors can apply for specialist registration without undergoing an assessment by the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. Health Minister Mark Butler reassures patients that safety standards will not be compromised, as doctors will still need to pass language and background checks and undergo six months of supervision upon arrival.
RACGP President Nicole Higgins expresses concerns about the rushed approach, citing potential risks to patient safety. However, Health Minister Mark Butler defends the reform, emphasizing the importance of maintaining stringent safety measures in the accreditation process for overseas doctors.