AMA President raises IMGs issue with Minister Hunt

Dr Omar Khorshid says it’s time for the pool of International Medical Graduates (IMGs) who have passed AMC exams to be given a pathway into work. 

The AMA is continuing to advocate for pathways into practice for a large pool of International Medical Graduates.  

AMA President Dr Omar Khorshid raised the issue when he met with Health Minister Greg Hunt last Friday and the AMA has also sent a letter to the Minister and the Department of Health.  

The AMA has said it is supportive of the urgent establishment of a consultative group which would include representatives from affected IMGs.  

There are over 300 IMGs who have passed the Australian Medical Council examinations but are unable to secure an offer of employment from a health service, which is a prerequisite for medical registration. 

Dr Khorshid has said with COVID-19 placing enormous pressure on the medical workforce and the supply of doctors from overseas being limited, it is time to urgently consider how we can support these doctors to safely enter the medical workforce in Australia.  

Minister Hunt has indicated he will be taking up the issue with the Department of Health.