Ireland to Review Registration Barriers for Indian Doctors Within Six Months
Dublin: Ireland is set to review longstanding registration barriers faced by Indian doctors, with a decision expected within six months, according to the Irish Medical Council.
Speaking at the inaugural conference of the Indian Irish Medical Association (IIMA), the Council’s vice president, Dr Mary Davoren, confirmed that the issue is under active review and that efforts are underway to identify and address the obstacles.
Dr Davoren noted that only around 310 Indian doctors are currently practising in Ireland—a relatively low figure compared to other countries such as Pakistan and Sudan, which account for a larger share of internationally trained doctors. She emphasised that a more diverse workforce would significantly benefit Ireland’s healthcare system and said the council is committed to making improvements where possible.
However, she cautioned that some aspects of the issue may involve legal complexities beyond the council’s direct authority.
The matter was brought into focus during the IIMA conference, where representatives highlighted Medical Council registration as a major hurdle for Indian-trained doctors. A key issue identified is the non-recognition of internships completed in India.
Tej Tiwari, President of IIMA and a consultant surgeon at Beaumont Hospital, said many Indian medical graduates are unable to register because their internship structure does not align with Irish definitions. He argued that while regulatory standards are expected, the current situation disproportionately affects Indian doctors.
The Irish Medical Organisation has also called for urgent reform, describing the restrictions as “disgraceful.” Professor Matthew Sadler said the issue largely stems from how the term “intern” is defined in Irish regulations, rather than any deficiency in training quality.
He added that Indian medical graduates are highly capable, but discrepancies in how final-year clinical training is classified have created unnecessary barriers. The IMO has urged the government to convene an urgent meeting with stakeholders, including IIMA, to resolve the issue.
The conference, held in Enfield, County Meath, was inaugurated by Jack Chambers, who acknowledged the significant contribution of the Indian community to Ireland’s healthcare system. He also noted that the Indian population in Ireland now exceeds 100,000.
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