A group of Taiwanese students who studied medicine and obtained academic credentials in China, along with their parents, demanded fair treatment yesterday at a hearing on the government’s plans to recognize academic credentials earned in China.
They voiced their discontent over the government’s plans not to recognize medical credentials earned in China while recognizing diplomas issued by Chinese universities in other fields.
Wu Pei-hsuan (吳佩璇), a graduate of Peking University’s medical school, said she had hoped to return to Taiwan to work at a local hospital, but her plan was stymied when she learned that her qualification would not be recognized.
“I was forced to head to Australia to find a job instead,” Wu said at the hearing.
Yesterday’s hearing, held in Kaohsiung, was the first of 17 that the Ministry of Education has scheduled until Dec. 23 to garner public opinion on a recent decision to recognize academic credentials issued by 41 top universities in China, as well as Taiwan opening to Chinese students seeking to study.
Lin Yun-ying (林雲英), whose son is studying medicine in China, said her son would prefer to return to Taiwan to work after graduation, but the ministry’s plan has blunted his desire to return home.
“Why such unfairness?” Lin asked.
Other parents also expressed confusion, asking why Taiwanese students who study medicine in Poland and the Philippines can take national medical examinations, while those with Chinese medical school diplomas are not given such an opportunity.
Ho Jow-fei (何卓飛), director of the ministry’s Department of Higher Education, did not answer questions, saying: “I will refer your opinions to the interagency meetings at the Executive Yuan for further debate.”
Meanwhile, Chao Tien-lin (趙天麟), a Kaohsiung city councilor representing the Democratic Progressive Party, said the government should make it clear that no Chinese students or citizens will be allowed to sit for tests in Taiwan for professional licenses and the civil service.
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