New places for medicine students

A NEW graduate level entry programme in medicine was announced today underplans to increase the numbers of qualified doctors.

Education Minister Mary Hanafin said the initiative, which starts next autumn, will provide a second chance of entry to the profession for those who missed out on a place in medicine at undergraduate level due to the high marks required.

It is thought a total of 60 new places will be offered in 2007, growing to an overall intake of 240 students annually after four years.