By Hon. N. Singh
Spokesperson on Health
Note to Editors: This statement is in response to a question I have submitted to Health Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi MP, following the plight of foreign-qualified medical students registering locally to practice.
Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi MP confirmed that all foreign-qualified medical practitioners will have to undergo further scrutiny and training before being allowed to practice in the country.
In response to my question, on if he can provide further details with regard to the long-term solution and time frame for implementation in respect of foreign qualified medical students, as mentioned by his Deputy – Minister Motsoaledi MP believes that the long term solution is that students and practitioners will be allowed to do their internship locally after a “special training session” is provided by our universities.
Further to this, the Minister said: “The Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) agreed that they will register them for internship after some evaluation after they had been trained locally for a specific period of time.”
The IFP will continue to engage Minister Motsoaledi MP as he agreed to discuss all matters relating to foreign-qualified medical practitioners during the parliamentary recess.
It is imperative that all stakeholders meet and discuss an amicable way forward in finding a solution which will adequately address the needs of those in our medical fraternity.
Media Enquiries:
Narend Singh MP
IFP Spokesperson on Health
083 788 5954