Doctors from Chile, Luxembourg, and Croatia will now be able to fast-track their registration to work in New Zealand, thanks to a new decision by the Medical Council.

Health Minister Simeon Brown says the move will help get more qualified doctors into hospitals and clinics across the country, and more quickly.

The three new countries have been added to the Comparable Health System pathway, bringing the total to 29.

Doctors from countries on this list can bypass some of the longer registration steps if their qualifications meet New Zealand standards.

Earlier this year, Japan and South Korea were also added to the list.

Brown says overseas-trained doctors are a vital part of the health system, especially in areas where demand is high.

“We received over 180 expressions of interest for our two-year training programme for overseas doctors earlier this year, which shows just how keen people are to work where they’re most needed.”

The Government has committed $16.68 billion across three Budgets to strengthen healthcare, including funding for urgent care upgrades and 24/7 digital health services.

For Hibiscus Coast locals, this means faster access to care and more staff on the ground.

With demand rising, especially in growing communities, having more qualified professionals ready to step in makes a real difference.

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