Over 900 doctors removed after failure to pay Council fee

Some 983 doctors were removed from the medical register after failure to pay their registration fee this year.

The list of doctors was sent to Minister for Health Simon Harris in August, according to documents obtained by the Medical Independent under Freedom of Information law.

“The listed practitioners have had their registration removed for failure to pay fees in accordance with section 79 (1) of the Medical Practitioners Act 2007,” wrote Medical Council CEO Mr Bill Prasifka in his letter to Minister Harris.

Mr Prasifka had similarly written to HSE CEO Mr Paul Reid, as required under the Act.

In providing the list, Mr Prasifka said it was important for the Minister to be aware that unregistered doctors cannot practise medicine in Ireland and a person contravening the Act is guilty of an offence.

In his letter, Mr Prasifka stated that all practitioners had been written to and advised of the requirements for seeking re-registration with the Council, should they wish to practise medicine.

“This is the final in numerous communications (letters and emails) with these doctors providing initial advice and reminders of the need to retain their registration. A practitioner cannot recommence practice until they have completed the re-registration process, whereby they will be issued with a certificate of registration.”

According to the Council’s annual report for 2018, the number of registered doctors was 22,996, a marginal increase on the previous year.

At the conclusion of retention in 2018, the Council removed 990 doctors for failure to pay their fee.

An administration fee of €220 applies to doctors seeking to re-register after removal, which is additional to their registration fee.