Calls Grow to Remove Registration Barriers for Indian Doctors in Ireland

Dublin | April 27, 2026 Fresh calls have emerged to address administrative and legislative barriers preventing Indian-trained doctors from registering to practice in Ireland, with the issue taking centre stage at the inaugural conference of the Indian Irish Medical Association (IIMA).

Registration Challenges Highlighted

Mr Tej Tiwari, Consultant Surgeon at Beaumont Hospital and President of the IIMA, underscored the difficulties faced by Indian medical graduates seeking registration in Ireland.

“Registration remains a tedious and complex process for Indian doctors. A key challenge is the non-recognition of internships completed in Indian hospitals, which effectively blocks many from registering with the Medical Council and entering the workforce,” he stated.

Mr Tiwari further noted that while regulatory standards are understandable, concerns arise if such barriers disproportionately affect Indian doctors compared to their global counterparts.

“We are committed to working with the relevant authorities to address and overcome these barriers,” he added.

Support from Irish Medical Organisation

The concerns raised by the IIMA have been strongly echoed by the Irish Medical Organisation (IMO). Its President, Professor Matthew Sadlier, described the current restrictions as a “disgrace,” pointing to a long-standing campaign on the issue since 2008.

According to Prof Sadlier, the core of the problem lies in a legislative technicality.

“This is fundamentally a definitional issue. While Indian medical education includes a final year of practical training, it is not formally termed an ‘internship’ as it is in other jurisdictions. This discrepancy has created unnecessary hurdles for otherwise highly competent doctors,” he explained.

He urged the Government to convene urgent discussions involving the IIMA and IMO to resolve the matter.

Reliance on International Medical Graduates

Prof Sadlier also highlighted the critical role played by international medical graduates in Ireland’s healthcare system, noting that they constitute nearly half of the medical workforce.

“These professionals are indispensable to the delivery of healthcare services across the country,” he said.

Medical Council Review Underway

Dr Mary Davoren, Vice President of the Medical Council, confirmed that a formal review of the issue is currently in progress and is expected to conclude within six months.

At present, approximately 310 Indian doctors are practising in Ireland—a figure the Council considers relatively low.

“Diversity significantly enriches the medical workforce. We are actively examining the barriers that may be limiting participation from Indian graduates and exploring ways to address them,” Dr Davoren stated.

She noted that current data indicates that most international medical graduates in Ireland come from countries such as Pakistan and Sudan, with comparatively fewer from India.

Balancing Access and Patient Safety

Dr Davoren emphasised that patient safety remains paramount, and any reforms must ensure that incoming doctors possess training equivalent to that of Irish medical graduates.

“These reviews require careful consideration to maintain high standards. Depending on the findings, certain aspects may require legislative changes, which fall beyond the Medical Council’s remit. However, there may be scope for policy adjustments within existing frameworks,” she explained.

Government Acknowledges Indian Community’s Contribution

Delivering the inaugural address at the conference in Enfield, Co Meath, Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers acknowledged the significant contributions of the Indian community to Ireland’s healthcare sector.

With an estimated Indian population of around 100,000 in Ireland, the Minister highlighted their frontline role in sustaining the health system.

“Today is about recognising and valuing the contributions of the Indian community, particularly in medicine and healthcare, and ensuring their continued role in shaping health policy,” he said.

As the review progresses, stakeholders remain hopeful that regulatory and legislative adjustments will pave the way for greater inclusion of Indian-trained doctors in Ireland’s healthcare system, while maintaining the high standards required for patient safety.