Improve recognition of overseas GP training to boost IMG workforce: review

New Zealand is making itself a more appealing option for doctors from overseas, according to a report.
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An overly bureaucratic process for IMGs moving to Australia is giving New Zealand the advantage in attracting doctors from overseas, a government-commissioned review suggests.

An interim report, published last month, has recommended the Medical Board of Australia to recognise more countries under its Competent Authority Pathway.

This pathway, which streamlines Australian registration for doctors from certain nations, is currently an option for doctors trained in just five countries: New Zealand, the UK, the US, Canada and Ireland.

In contrast, New Zealand recognises 23 countries as having sufficiently comparable health systems, says the interim report, written by former national mental health commissioner Robyn Kruk.