The Knesset approved an exemption from licensing exams for immigrant doctors

The Health Committee today (Monday) approved regulations designed to encourage the immigration of doctors to Israel. The regulations provide relief for the granting of a doctor’s license, and exempt those who immigrated from abroad with 10 years of clinical experience in medicine, instead of 14 years as required today.

The doctors will still require to present a positive opinion evaluation of the director of the medical institution in the country where the doctor works with clinical experience, as well as an evaluation of his clinical ability.

The chairman of the committee, MK Yoni Meshariki (Shas) emphasized maintaining the quality of medicine in Israel – along with encouraging immigration and the absorption of doctors: “Approving the regulations is a significant step in responding to the shortage of doctors in Israel. The regulations will make it possible to bring doctors from abroad and quickly integrate them into the health system, for the benefit of all citizens.”

Rei’tzel Brandred-Shelio, from the personnel planning division of the Ministry of Health estimated that the relief will allow the absorption of about 600 doctors in Israel per year.