Hong Kong has a chronic shortage of healthcare professionals in the public health sector. Latest government projections show Hong Kong faces a shortfall of 1,610 doctors by 2030, even after accounting for the yearly intake of newly graduated locals, according to a local think tank.

To tackle this issue, the government has implemented various measures such as streamlining the registration process for HK permanent residents who were trained at renowned medical schools abroad and increasing the numbers of publicly funded places at local medical schools. However, it is still not fast enough to fill the gap.

Last Thursday (21 October), local lawmakers took a further step by passing a bill that gives the green light for overseas trained doctors without a HK permanent residency (including mainland China). Eligible candidates will be able to practice as medical specialists through a special registration pathway.  

Meanwhile, the new amendment to the Medical Registration Ordinance will also facilitate the return of Hong Kong permanent residents (PR) who are qualified doctors and graduated from medical schools that are recognised by HK Medical Council. After 5 years of service in the local public health sector, they will be able to switch to private practice without taking a licensing examination.

As for overseas medical graduates and students with a HK’s PR status, they will be able to apply for internships in the city and receive specialist training for at least six years.

Source: Door opens wide for foreign-trained doctors, 22 October 2021

Comments by Karen Hsu, Education Services Manager for Hong Kong
The bill aims to curb the city’s medical workforce shortage by means of an influx of overseas trained doctors and medical graduates. With a more streamlined registration process and progressive career pathway, it is conducive to students with a HK permanent residency who are currently studying in the UK . UK Institutions could consider leveraging their connections with local partners to develop more internship opportunities thereby enhancing students’ career portfolios if they plan to practice in HK after their graduation. Institutions may also want to consider including this information when promoting medical programmes to prospective parents and students from HK in terms of a new route of career development.

Between February-March 2022, the British Council East Asia team is hosting a webinar series - Virtual UK University Taster and welcomes academic speakers with a background of medicine and allied subjects to be on a panel and introduce the UK’s medical education to prospective students from HK and other countries in the region. For more information, please visit our website: East Asia Webinar Series 2021-22: Virtual UK University Taster February – March 2022.