Registration of Ukrainian doctors in Ireland must be expedited – Currie

Ireland must expedite the access to medical exams for Ukrainian doctors who wish to practice here, a Fine Gael Senator has said.

Dublin West Senator, Emer Currie, raised the issue in the Seanad with the Minister of State for Disability in the Department of Health, Anne Rabbitte TD.

Senator Currie said: “The demand for GPs has increased immensely in recent years. We’re facing shortages right across Ireland and the problem is often more acute in areas in which there are high numbers of Ukrainian people in crisis accommodation.

“It is essential that we respond to these shortages and crucially, extend the opportunity to Ukrainian people to be able to access Ukrainian doctors who understand the trauma they have experienced.

“Fundamentally, we must enable professional and qualified doctors to work if they wish to do so.

“I am aware of 400 doctors from Ukraine here in Ireland. As non-EU doctors, they require an English exam to showcase proficiency in medical English. Furthermore, they must sit the Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) exam, a clinical test they must pass to register with the Irish Medical Council.

“Non-EU doctors often take the exam before they come to Ireland, but Ukrainian doctors did not have the opportunity given the war-torn circumstances from which they were fleeing.

“There is a company that run the PLAB exams for the Irish Medical Council and those exams usually take place about twice a year. I have been informed that there is no availability until November 2023.

“Meanwhile doctors are ready to work, they’re desperate to work. They want to help and be part of our frontline. I am calling on the Minister for Health to intervene and arrange emergency PLAB exams.

“This is a practical issue that needs an urgent and practical response. I welcome Minister Rabbitte’s commitment to raise this issue with the Minister for Health to ensure all avenues are examined,” concluded Senator Currie.