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Opinion | What Hong Kong can learn from Singapore and Britain on welcoming overseas doctors
- Non-locally-trained doctors under the current limited registration scheme face difficulties in continuing specialist training and restricted promotion prospects
- These issues must be addressed both in the interest of fairness and to meet the public’s needs
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Following the initial reading of the Medical Registration Amendment Bill in the Legislative Council, public discussion of Hong Kong’s doctor shortage crisis has returned in full force. The bill’s arrival is not without cause.
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Latest government projections show Hong Kong faces a shortfall of 1,610 doctors by 2030, even after accounting for the yearly intake of newly graduated locals. Nonetheless, Hong Kong is not alone in its crisis.
Singapore and Britain have also faced doctor shortages but both have made significant strides in closing their gaps. Being flexible for entry into their health care systems has earned them higher doctor-to-population ratios than Hong Kong.
Notably, both systems welcome doctors, regardless of how far they have got in their specialist training. In both countries, non-locally-trained doctors have the option of full or partial specialist training.
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Hong Kong’s newly formulated special registration pathway is being proposed for medical practitioners who have yet to start, are looking to continue, or have completed their specialist training.
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