Looking ahead, the Healthcare Authority (NZa) expects shortages to develop as a result of demographic trends and an increasing share of part-time GPs (NZa, 2009). In this context, the government rightly aims at expanding the capacity of medical schools and the number of hospital training positions, as both are identified causes of supply restriction (Capaciteitsorgaan, 2011). Foreign doctors represent another potential source of doctors. In this domain, European candidates (from the European Economic Area) enjoy relatively easy access as their diplomas are recognised, while non-European candidates are subject to a governmental standardised assessment of medical skills and a language test. To facilitate entry for the latter group, it could be considered to exempt holders of diplomas from top universities from the medical-skills components of the assessment. However, restricting the number of specialists is no longer a solution in a more market-oriented system, as it would reinforce their bargaining position and hence their ability to influence prices upwards.