Royal College of Psychiatrists Faces Criticism Over Qatar Exam Partnership

 

The Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCPsych) is facing growing criticism from its members following the announcement of a partnership with Qatar’s Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) to host international psychiatry examinations in Doha. The collaboration, aimed at expanding access for overseas candidates, has triggered concerns over Qatar’s human rights record and potential ethical implications for the college.

Over 150 Psychiatrists Sign Letter Against the Qatar Deal

According to reports, more than 150 psychiatrists from top UK universities and hospitals have signed a joint letter addressed to the RCPsych president. The letter warns that a partnership with Qatar’s state-run medical system could cause reputational harm to the college due to ongoing allegations of human rights violations in the Gulf nation.

“A commercial relationship with Qatar’s public health system, a de facto branch of its government, risks damaging the college’s credibility,” the letter states.

The signatories cite discriminatory laws against women, criminalisation of same-sex relationships, and lack of legal protection against domestic abuse as key ethical concerns.

Concerns Over Human Rights and Equality

The psychiatrists’ letter also highlights the treatment of migrant workers, who constitute more than 90% of Qatar’s workforce, noting that deaths and injuries linked to construction projects ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup raised serious global concerns about labour exploitation and workers’ welfare.

Dr. Bradley Hillier, a consultant forensic psychiatrist and signatory of the letter, said that the deal appears inconsistent with the college’s stated values.

“It’s troubling that the Royal College of Psychiatrists is entering a partnership with a state that continues to face major human rights challenges. This decision risks undermining the college’s reputation and mission,” Hillier remarked.

RCPsych Defends the Decision

In response to the criticism, the Royal College of Psychiatrists defended its decision, saying the goal is to improve global access to professional qualifications and strengthen mental health care capacity in developing regions.

“Our aim is to reduce inequity and enhance access to mental health education for doctors from underrepresented parts of the world,” the college said in a statement.

The RCPsych added that all exams in Doha would follow the same ethical standards, quality assurance, and values as those held in the UK and Singapore, including assessments of candidates’ ability to address LGBTQ+ mental health issues.

Exams Scheduled for November 2025

The Doha examination sessions are scheduled to take place from November 10 to November 13, 2025, with approximately 120 candidates expected to participate. The exams will consist of clinical simulations and mock consultations, designed to evaluate candidates’ diagnostic and interpersonal skills in real-world scenarios.

The college previously introduced a similar international exam centre in Singapore, making Qatar the second overseas location for such assessments.

Calls for Alternative Locations

Several members have questioned why Qatar was chosen as an examination hub when other countries could have been considered.

Prof. Annie Bartlett, Professor of Offender Healthcare at City St George’s University, London, said while international expansion is welcome, the choice of host nation should align with the college’s ethical commitments.

“Expanding global access is a positive step, but there are many nations where such exams could be held without raising concerns about women’s rights, migrant workers, or same-sex criminalization,” Bartlett stated.

Balancing Global Access and Ethical Responsibility

The debate underscores a broader challenge for professional institutions — balancing international outreach with ethical accountability. While the Royal College of Psychiatrists argues that expanding access is vital for global health equity, critics maintain that human rights and inclusivity should remain non-negotiable in professional collaborations.

As the exams move forward, the college continues to stand by its decision, asserting that its mission remains focused on global excellence in psychiatric education while maintaining ethical and clinical integrity.