By FRANCESCA MOLD
More than 2000 immigrant doctors are interested in a Government-funded programme aimed at retraining them for work in New Zealand.
Health Minister Annette King announced in June the setting-up of an $11.8 million fund to retrain overseas doctors who had been granted residency between 1991 and 1995.
Since then, about 2000 doctors have shown an interest in taking up places on the programme, which costs the Government about $40,000 a student.
Annette King said the overwhelming response meant that the only fair way to choose the first 100 students was through a ballot.
Not all of the 2000 applicants would meet the strict eligibility criteria, she said, but at least 1200 were expected to meet the requirements.
Doctors who complete the retraining course will be bonded for a year and receive probationary registration.
The bond requires them to sit the Medical Council's clinical examination after completing the bridging programme.
They must complete a one-year probationary period and a further year under general registration.
The doctors will have to repay the cost of their course if they do not meet these requirements.
Doctors wanting to apply for the retraining programme must hold an overseas medical qualification and a certificate of good standing verified by the Medical Council.
They must have residency in New Zealand, granted between November 18, 1991, and October 29, 1995.
Doctors must also have passed an English test approved by the Medical Council.
Doctors flock for retraining
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