Calls to Remove Registration Barriers for 300 Indian Doctors in Ireland
The Indian Irish Medical Association and Irish Medical Organisation are calling for the removal of administrative barriers preventing 300 Indian doctors from registering in Ireland. Unrecognised internships and legislative definitions are key issues. Minister Jack Chambers acknowledged the vital role of the 100,000-strong Indian community in Ireland's health system.
The first conference of the Indian Irish Medical Association (IIMA) highlighted calls to remove administrative barriers for Indian doctors seeking to register and work in Ireland. Mr. Tej Tiwari, a consultant surgeon at Beaumont Hospital and IIMA President, stated that approximately 300 Indian doctors are currently in Ireland, facing difficulties due to unrecognised internships from Indian hospitals, which hinders their registration with the Medical Council.
The Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) President, Professor Matthew Sadlier, echoed these concerns, calling the restriction a «disgrace». The IMO has campaigned on this issue since 2008, identifying it as a legislative problem concerning the definition of «intern». Professor Sadlier noted that Indian doctors are as competent as those from other global universities, but the differing terminology for their final year of practice complicates registration in Ireland. He urged the Government to meet urgently with the IIMA and IMO to resolve the issue, emphasizing that international medical graduates constitute about half of Ireland's medical workforce and are vital to healthcare services.
Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers delivered the inaugural address at the conference in Enfield, Co Meath. He acknowledged the significant role of the Indian community, comprising about 100,000 people in Ireland, in the health system, valuing their contributions and advocating for their enhanced involvement in shaping health policy.