Pathway To Medical Practitioner
Pakistani doctors (MBBS) are eligible to apply for a medical license in Hong Kong and must go through a specific pathway. The primary route for NLTs to obtain full registration to practice medicine in Hong Kong is by passing the Licensing Examination of the Medical Council of Hong Kong (HKMLE).
- Eligibility Assessment by Hong Kong Medically Council (MCHK):
You must first apply to the MCHK for assessment of your medical qualifications and training.
The MCHK will evaluate whether your medical degree (from a Pakistani medical school listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools) and your postgraduate training meet their criteria.
According to the MCHK, to be eligible to take the HKMLE, you need to have satisfactorily completed not less than 5 years of full-time medical training of a type approved by the Council and hold a medical qualification acceptable to the Council. This training should include a period of internship approved by the Council.
You must also be of good character.
- The Hong Kong Medical Licensing Examination (HKMLE):
Part I: Examination in Professional Knowledge: Two written papers, each with multiple-choice questions covering basic sciences, medical ethics/community medicine, medicine, surgery, orthopaedic surgery, psychiatry, paediatrics, and obstetrics & gynaecology. Part 1 is a written assessment consisting of 240 multiple-choice questions delivered over 2 days. About 92% of the examination is devoted to the major clinical specialities, with the remaining 8% covering pre-clinical subjects. Part 1 is held in September and March of every year.
Part II: Proficiency Test in Medical English: A written paper to ensure your English proficiency is adequate for professional purposes. Part 2 is a written English test used to assess candidates command of the language for usage in a professional context. The examination lasts 3 hours and is held at the same time as Part 1, usually one day prior to Part 1.
Part III: Clinical Examination: An assessment of your ability to apply professional knowledge to clinical problems in medicine, surgery (including orthopaedics), obstetrics & gynaecology, and paediatrics. Part 3 is held over a 2-3 week period in late November/early December and late May/early June of each year.
NOTE.The HKMLE is held twice a year.
- Period of Assessment (Internship):
After passing all three parts of the HKMLE, you will be required to complete a 12-month period of assessment (internship) in approved hospitals in Hong Kong. Those that are already specialists may be eligible to receive a 6-month exemption from the length of the Period of Assessment.
- Full Registration:
Upon successful completion of the 12-month assessment, you can apply for full registration as a medical practitioner with the MCHK, allowing you to practice independently in Hong Kong.
Doctors undertaking the Period of Assessment (internship) in Hong Kong are indeed paid a salary and usually receive additional benefits. The Hospital Authority is the primary employer for these internships in the public sector.
Capacities in which doctor may work in Hong Kong
Clinical Practice:
Resident or Associate Consultant: In public hospitals (under the Hospital Authority) or private hospitals, providing direct patient care in their area of specialization.
Specialist Practice: If they have specialist qualifications recognized by the Hong Kong Academy of Medicine (HKAM), they can work as specialists in private practice or public institutions. Recognized specialties cover a wide range of medical fields.
General Practice: Providing primary care services in private clinics or community health centers.
Visiting Doctor: Participating in exchange programs or short-term clinical attachments at Hong Kong medical institutions.
Academic and Research Roles:
University Medical Schools: Working as lecturers, clinical instructors, or researchers at the medical schools of the University of Hong Kong or The Chinese University of Hong Kong.
Research Institutions: Engaging in medical research at various public or private research facilities.
Other Opportunities:
Department of Health: Working in government-run clinics and health services, contributing to public health initiatives.
Global Healthcare Talent Scheme: Participating in specific programs aimed at attracting non-locally trained healthcare professionals to Hong Kong’s public healthcare system.
Medical Administration: With experience, they might move into administrative or management roles within healthcare organizations.
CONTACT
MAHMOOD SALEEM
Advocate High Court
Call 0321-4314001
WhatsApp 0333-5769655