Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian Health Ministry is streamlining the verification process for Indonesian doctors and specialists studying and working in Germany who are looking to return to Indonesia, according to an official statement.

This policy was established by the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the ministry and the Bundesärztekammer or German Medical Council fpr cooperation in the exchange and mutual recognition of the medical education system between the two countries.

The MoU was signed on November 7, 2023 by the Ministry's Director General of Health Personnel, Arianti Anaya, and the President of the Bundesärztekammer, Klaus Reinhardt, witnessed by the Indonesian Ambassador to Germany, Arif Havas Oegroseno, along with officials of the Association of German Indonesian Experts and Scholars (IASI Germany).

"For the process of returning and working in Indonesia, we need to validate data regarding their schools and their working period. Through collaboration with the Bundesärztekammer, the validation and administration process can be shorter," Anaya noted in a written statement on Tuesday.

She said that the MoU will benefit Indonesia, where the ministry seeks to attract Indonesian doctors who have completed their studies and work in Germany to return to their home country.

On this occasion, the Chair of IASI Germany, Dr. Prasti Pomarius, also expressed her excitement over this MoU signing.

"The medical system in Germany is hospital-based, while Indonesia's is university-based. This difference does not pose a significant challenge, but it necessitates clear communication between the Indonesian government and the regulator for German doctors," she remarked.

Pomarius explained that the initial process of creating the MoU began with a webinar meeting of the Indonesian health diaspora in the US and Europe held in April 2022.

Indonesian Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin was also present at the webinar to encourage Indonesian doctors working abroad to return to Indonesia, she remarked.

He also pledged to streamline the verification process for Indonesian doctors working overseas.

Sadikin explained that President Joko Widodo had requested the return of these Indonesian doctors.

"We will simplify and streamline the adaptation process for doctors returning from abroad," he affirmed.

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Translator: Sean Muhamad, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Anton Santoso
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