Mr Asam Ishtiaq Consultant Surgeon & Medical Director UPMC Whitfield Hospital, Waterford, Ireland

Thousands of medical graduates from Pakistan have made a huge contribution to the delivery of health care in Ireland for over three decades.

The similarities of undergraduate curriculum in medicine and delivery of this through the English language in Pakistani medical colleges makes it very easy for doctors to integrate into the Irish Healthcare system. Most doctors are also in pursuit of higher qualifications by obtaining Fellowships (FRCS) and Memberships (MRCP) of The Royal Colleges as these are highly regarded titles for specialist practice in Pakistan and most other countries.

This inter-generational professional journey has not been a bed of roses and many of our senior colleagues had to stand up for their rights and get important amendments to their professional registrations to allow them to work beyond five years (temporary registrations) and then in the last decade obtaining Specialist
Registrations to work as independent consultant practitioners.

Many colleagues chose to move on to the UK, US or beyond and some stay on in Ireland making more long term contributions to the Irish Healthcare system.
Many colleagues eventually return to Pakistan having trained in Ireland and abroad bringing with them a wealth of experience and expertise and are highly accomplished professionals in their chosen fields.

There is a constant stream of bright, enthusiastic and young doctors who are coming to Ireland and are not only making a vital contribution to the Irish healthcare system but also obtaining excellent training and skills. One can confidently say that without this significant contribution by Doctors who are medical graduates from Pakistan, the Irish healthcare system can be under severe strains and many vital services may close.

There are more than one thousand doctors from Pakistan on the active medical register at present and this trend looks like to continue for years to come as a mutual benefit of both countries.