Irish diaspora feared unending as more medical professionals leave

Thousands of medical doctors are feared to be planning to emigrate, according to the Medical Council responsible for issuing competence certificates.

The crisis in the Irish health service seems to be escalating, with around 3,000 certificates of competence issues to practicing medical professionals over the last 19 months. Recently, the IMO warned that a severe manpower crisis in the health service is imminent.

Although it is unclear whether all those who have requested proof of their current professional status are planning to or have already emigrated, the certificates are essential for doctors planning to take up appointments overseas. The Medical Council, currently preparing data on the size and composition of the medical workforce, is stressing that they are also mandatory for all doctors moving to another jurisdiction within the country.

Over the past two years, discontent over salary cuts and longer hours has hit the health service, with many new graduates deciding to take advantage of overseas positions offered at jobs fairs attended by representatives from Australia, Canada and other migration hubs. Media coverage of the crisis has included interviews with fully trained and highly experienced medical professionals as well as newly qualified doctors with little experience, most of whom were determined to leave for the better career options offered abroad.