New Zealand's doctor shortage is putting our medical system in a vulnerable position, according to Senior Doctors' Union president Dr Jeff Brown.
Dr Brown, a paedetrician at Palmerston North Hospital, said New Zealand relies on foreign doctors for the survival of our health care system, with 41 percent of all current doctors foreign-graduates.
"The fundamental problem is that any medical workforce that relies on overseas doctors is not a healthy medical system. They may stop coming here," he said.
Currently about 10-12 percent of positions for doctors were vacant and being advertised around New Zealand, Dr Brown said.
"We don't train enough doctors for a start, and we don't keep the ones that we do train."
"We train very good doctors but one in four of those go overseas in the first five years of graduation. Some of those will come back," he said.
He said 80 percent of all doctors that registered last year were overseas-trained, but this figure also counts doctors who only stay for a short time, he said.
"That means 4 out of 5 doctors registering are overseas trained," he said.
New Zealand seems more appealing to doctors from Eastern countries who come for improved quality of life, he said.
High standards from foreign doctors
Health and Disability Commissioner Ron Paterson said it is important to note that New Zealand depends on the availability of overseas-trained doctors, and most perform to a high standard.
He said communication was a key issue with foreign doctors, along with their familiarity with New Zealand's health system.
"It is important that we provide proper orientation and support for such doctors - but employers also need to credential them fully on appointment, and the Medical Council needs to ensure that they are competent and fit to practise here."
NZMA warning
New Zealand Medical Association chairman Dr Peter Foley said last year many parts of the health sector were affected by industrial action, and indications are that this year will be the same.
“The NZMA is extremely worried about the employment environment, as the workforce is already facing shortages and stresses,” he said.
“Health professionals are highly sought after internationally, so it’s vital that they made to feel valued working here.”
While those not on strike work very hard during periods of industrial action, it is inevitable that patients will miss out on vital services, he said.
“DHBs seem hamstrung by limited funding – which is why the NZMA is calling on the Minister of Health to take responsibility and step in and help sort this out," he said.
Foreign doctors registered in New Zealand in June 2005
England 1,223
South Africa 813
Scotland 373
Australia 292
India 338
Sri Lanka 194
United States of America 122
Iraq 123
Ireland 81
Bangladesh 85
Germany 89
Canada 64
Wales 52
China 61
Egypt 55
Fiji 51
Yugoslavia (Federal Republic of ) 38
Pakistan 32
Philippines 33
Northern Ireland 27
Zimbabwe 27
Netherlands 28
Russia 22
Singapore 19
Poland 18
Myanmar 16
Romania 16
Croatia 12
Papua New Guinea 10
Bulgaria 9
Malaysia 5
Czech Republic 7
Japan 4
Sweden 6
Denmark 7
Source: New Zealand Medical Council
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