Tougher rules for foreign doctors

Rules for foreign doctors who want to work in Danish hospitals will be tightened. That is the message from Minister for the Interior and Health Bertel Haarder, who met with National Board of Health director Jesper Fisker earlier today.

- Now, they will have to undergo exactly the same programme as any Danish student leaving the university, says Bertel Haarder.

In the future, doctors from third-world countries will have to pass a three-day test before they are granted even a temporary authorization to treat patients. And that authorization will now only be good for 12 months.

During this time, the doctors must pass basic clinical training, just like their Danish colleagues - and their supervising doctors must report back to the National Board of Health twice.

Changed rules
In 2002, rules for doctors from third world countries were changed so that doctors could work in Danish hospitals all of two years before having their medical skills tested. They were handed a two-year temporary authorization based on nothing but the documents from their place of education. Documents which could be forged or issued following inadequate training.

Found ten doctors
Health authorities have been checking up on doctors who have arrived in Denmark under these conditions. And they have found ten doctors whose knowledge and skills did not measure up. Authorities are now considering whether these doctors should have their authorization to practice medicine in Denmark revoked.

Translated by Martin Lamberth