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Kiwis 'cutting out SA docs'
06/09/2006 23:43 - (SA)
Alicestine October, Die Burger
Cape Town - South African doctors who are eyeing a future in New Zealand could now face obstacles.
The New Zealand Medical Council apparently has decided to remove South Africa from the list of countries whose doctors would be able to easily set up a practice there.
The New Zealand Herald said this list was composed of countries with more-or-less similar health environments.
Doctors in countries with a good standard of English and where the medical environment was similar, could register more easily in New Zealand.
Health Professions Council spokesperson Tendai Dhliwayo said this was nonsense because more than 600 South African doctors were practising in New Zealand.
"That ought to indicate the demand for the South African product, because we don't produce second-class doctors."
Dhliwayo said the New Zealand decision could work only in South Africa's favour, since there was a shortage of doctors here.
'Nothing wrong' with SA standard
New Zealand embassy personnel could not comment on Wednesday, as they said they were not aware of the decision.
The chairperson of South African Medical Association (Sama), Dr Kgosi Letlape, said it remained the New Zealand Medical Council's decision, but there was nothing wrong with the standard of training of South African doctors.
"I'm satisfied with my medical training and will go to my South African colleagues at any time for medical assistance," he said.
- Die Burger
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