Around 130 doctors have commenced the International Medical Graduate (IMG) Rural GP Programme to date, according to new data from the Irish College of GPs. The doctors are being mentored in 126 rural practices across 25 counties, a spokesperson for the College revealed.
Under the programme, the doctors are enabled to work in daytime rural general practice for two years, with some out-of-hours work. The doctors are provided with ongoing education supports and clinical mentorship. The programme enables participants to undertake the MICGP exam, leading to specialist registration in general practice.
The first intake occurred in February 2023. Doctors from South Africa, Canada, Sudan, Nigeria, India, and the Middle East, are currently participating in the programme under the supervision of established GPs. A further 15 doctors will begin the programme in the first quarter of this year. It is hoped 75 more doctors will have commenced the initiative by the end of 2025.
All applicants must be eligible for the general register of the Medical Council, which means they must meet English language requirements and other standards. The selection process also involves a detailed interview. The doctors undertake a three-day induction and complete a comprehensive skills document.
The programme is part of the response to the GP workforce crisis.
Last year, the College warned that the GP workforce was not growing fast enough to meet population demands.
Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Department of Health and the HSE said 6,500 GPs were required. There are currently 4,200 GPs nationwide.
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