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Hong Kong’s new exam exemption for overseas doctors won’t ‘ruin the system’, health chief says in defending controversial bill
- List of 100 medical schools whose graduates will be approved for the exemption due in the latter half of 2022, Sophia Chan says
- Aimed at addressing a ‘serious shortage’ of doctors, the bill was passed 39-1 on Wednesday amid strong opposition from the local medical sector
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Opening the gates to non-locally trained doctors will not ruin Hong Kong’s licensing exam system or lower medical standards, the city’s health minister has said, doubling down on her support for a contentious bill passed amid fierce opposition from the sector.
Secretary for Food and Health Sophia Chan Siu-chee on Saturday said the new amendments would kick in after a special registration committee had confirmed a list of 100 recognised medical schools – due in the latter half of next year – whose graduates could be exempted from the local exam.
“Exams are not the only way to prove the ability of doctors with overseas experiences. We haven’t ruined the system,” Chan told a local radio programme.
“We have only added a special registration pathway to make the scheme targeting overseas doctors more attractive.”
Health officials have previously said the amendment was necessary to alleviate the “serious shortage of doctors” facing the city.
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