The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) says the proposed fast-track registration of overseas-trained doctors compromises the safety of patients living outside of urban centres and creates a two-tier system which risks eroding professional standards of care.
Ahead of the Health Ministers’ meeting on 6 December, RACS urges a rethink of the plan.
“The College has long supported measures that address healthcare workforce shortages but this is a nuanced issue that requires a nuanced response,” says RACS President Associate Professor Kerin Fielding.
“The proposal, in its current form, lacks the mechanisms to make an impact where it’s needed most and puts patient safety and standards of care at risk. It’s important to get this right. Let’s not rush it.”
The full media release from RACS is available here.
Further information from ACRRM is available here.