Estonia, Legislation, Markets and Companies, Medicine

The legal space requires specification, so that the evaluation criteria were unambiguous. The necessary legislation has been developed and sent to partners for examination.

Health and Labour Minister Urmas Kruuse said the audit draws attention to the need to clarify the legal factors that regulate the evaluation of doctors from third countries wishing to work in Estonia. "There is no reason to doubt that the doctors who have received permission to work in Estonia are competent and provide their patients with the best possible assistance," said the minister. "The audit revealed the parts of legislation that allow different interpretations of the law. We have discussed the current practice and proposed adjustments in legislation, which have been already sent to the partners," said Kruuse.

135 doctors who have acquired their qualifications in third countries (which are not in EU, EEA or Swiss Confederation) have been registered in Estonia as of 23/03/2015. Of these, 77 are currently working in Estonia. Overall, 6,294 doctors have been registered in Estonia, of whom 4,582 works as doctors.

Estonian Doctors' Association yesterday made a statement that they do not favour the amendments to regulations initiated by minster Kruuse, which make it considerably easier for foreign doctors to start working in Estonia.