Debated in Parliament on 30 Nov 2022.
Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song asked the Minister for Health whether the Ministry will consider (i) reviewing and expanding the list of registrable basic medical qualifications to include more medical schools and (ii) setting up a system to convert overseas Singaporean doctors who currently have non-registrable qualifications but who can demonstrate the necessary knowledge to render the appropriate medical care in Singapore, so as to increase the pool of qualified Singaporean doctors practising in Singapore.
The list of registrable basic medical qualifications is governed by the Singapore Medical Council (SMC), which reviews the list from time to time to meet the changing healthcare needs of the Singapore population. The last review was completed in 2019, where basic medical qualifications from 103 universities globally are recognised by SMC. MOH and SMC will continue to monitor and assess if the list of registrable basic medical qualifications should be reviewed and expanded.
To the Member's second question on facilitating Singaporeans with non-registrable qualifications to practise here, there is already such a system in place. They can register with SMC to take a Qualifying Examination. Individuals who pass the examination can be registered with SMC to practise in Singapore. This ensures the quality of overseas-trained doctors practising in Singapore, while ensuring that their aspirations to return home and practise are met.
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