FOREIGN MEDICAL DEGREES (Registration in Singapore)

Dr Toh Keng Kiat asked the Minister for Health (a) whether there will be a review of the list of universities and medical schools in the United Kingdom and elsewhere from which medical degrees will be recognised for registration in Singapore and (b) whether the medical register for doctors with the Singapore Medical Council is closed to foreign graduates.

Dr Toh Keng Kiat: Sir, before I ask the question, I want to declare that I am a practising doctor with both local and foreign qualifications. Question No. 5, Sir.

The Minister for Health (Mr Yeo Cheow Tong): Sir, there has been a marked increase in the number of Singaporeans taking up medical studies in overseas universities and medical schools in recent years. There has also been an increase in the number of applications by non-Singaporean doctors for registration with the Singapore Medical Council to work or train in Singapore. This trend, if unchecked, will result in Singapore having an excessive number of doctors after the year 2000. This will lead to emigration, especially of specialists. Experience in the developed countries has also shown that an excess of doctors will lead to a higher health care expenditure.

There are currently 176 foreign universities and medical schools whose medical degrees are recognised for registration in Singapore. My Ministry is now reviewing the Schedule in order to reduce the number to a more appropriate and manageable level.

With regard to Dr Toh's second question, foreign doctors in possession of degrees in the Schedule are eligible to apply for registration with the Singapore Medical Council. However, as to whether they are granted registration will depend upon a number of factors such as whether they possess any special skills or expertise and where they intend to seek employment.

Dr Toh Keng Kiat: What about Singapore citizens who have been trained, qualified, and fulfilled all the statutory requirements abroad? Will they be recognised and registered fully in Singapore?

Mr Yeo Cheow Tong: Sir, Singaporeans who have been trained abroad will continue to be eligible for registration. They will be given conditional registration, depending on their background.