25^th Symposium of the Central and Eastern European

Chambers of Physicians

Prague, Czech Republic,

21 -22 September 2018

Prague statement on the access to the labour market by physicians from third countries

 

The number of migrating physicians in Europe has been increasing steadily for years. In fact, the medical profession ranks among the most mobile in Europe. The migration of physicians from third countries poses unique challenges to all involved countries, either by depleting the health workforce, or in terms of the recognition process, as well as how these physicians are assimilated into the healthcare system in the country of their arrival.   

Recognition procedures can be labour-intensive and also entail the risk that forged or inaccurate documents might be submitted. The authenticity and validity of diplomas and certificates cannot be determined conclusively in some cases.

Migrating physicians can encounter cultural and language barriers relating to hierarchies, the physician-patient relationship, interactions with patients/co-workers of the opposite sex, to cite some examples. Language barriers have been blamed for malpractice situations and are increasingly the subject of complaints from patients.

As members of a free profession, physicians, and the organisations that represent them, should be guided by the basic conviction of free choice of employment.  At the same time, high quality standards must be maintained and the medical knowledge and skills of each individual physician must reflect the current standards and the latest scientific developments in the field of medicine.

The Medical Chambers of Central and Eastern European Countries affirm that:

• Patient safety must never be jeopardised by the migration of physicians.
• The interest of the healthcare systems of all involved countries should be protected, in line with WHO code of good practice.
• A transparent procedure is required for third country physicians to demonstrate their medical knowledge and skills.
• Qualified medical professionals from third countries should not be hindered or discouraged by unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles. 
• Medical knowledge and skills of applicants from third countries must reflect the current standards and the latest scientific developments in the field of medicine.
• Language proficiency is a key requirement for practising medicine and language exams must be reasonable, appropriate and practical.
• Experiences gained from recognition procedures within the EU need to be reviewed and common approaches discussed.

 

Prague, 22 September 2018

 

 

Central and Eastern European Chambers of Physicians in attendance.

 

 

Signatories:

 

	Dr Fatmir Brahimaj      Order of Physicians of Albania National Council
	Dr Jörg Hutter                            Österreichische Ärztekammer (Austrian Medical Chamber)
	Dr Goran Pavic                          Medical Chamber of Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina
	Prof. Dr Nebojša Jovanić        The Republic of Srpska Medical Association
	Dr Ivan Madzharov      Bulgarian Medical Association
	Dr Ivan Raguž              Croatian Medical Chamber
	Dr Milan Kubek            Czech Medical Chamber
	Dr Max Kaplan             Bundesärztekammer (German Medical Association)
	Dr Istvàn Éger              Hungarian Medical Chamber
	Dr Pleurat Sejdiu          Chamber of Physicians of Kosovo
	Prof. Dr Kalina Grivceva Stardelova              Medical Chamber of Macedonia
	Dr Aleksandar              Mugoša             Medical Chamber of Montenegro
	Dr Gabriela Georgeta              Dascăl                Romanian College of Physicians
	Dr Milan Dinić   Serbian Medical Chamber
	Dr Zdenka Čebašek-Travnik   Medical Chamber of Slovenia
	Dr Jozef Weber                         Slovak Medical Chamber
	Dr Jacques de Haller   Standing Committee of the European Doctors (CPME)