Mutual recognition policy of medical license for medical professionals under Free Trade Agreement

ABSTRACT

Discussion on movement of medical personnel arises as a main issue when contracting free trade agreement between two countries. It is sensitive issue for both developed and developing country in terms of their own interest; developed country requires movement of medical personnel in order to solve aging population and manpower shortage problems in certain medical fields, whereas developing countries approache this issue with the purpose of exporting health professionals and improving the quality of medical care. We have not settled mutual recognition for medical professional's license, including that of medical doctors in Free Trade Agreement. However, as the opening of service sector expands is gradually, labor exchange of medical professionals at international level is expected to be more active in the future. Therefore, preparing quality of license at developed countries' standards and post management system is urgently required. Also, we have to strive for modification of law as well as global-level qualification to assist domestic professionals to enter overseas market.