Indian doctors have long been a critical component of the UK's National Health Service (NHS). With over 25,000 Indian-trained doctors currently registered with the General Medical Council (GMC), they form one of the largest overseas-trained contingents in the NHS workforce. 

However, despite their significant contributions, there is a growing trend of Indian doctors choosing to leave the UK medical system. 

Why are Indian Doctors leaving the UK?

A major factor driving Indian doctors away from the UK is systemic bias within the NHS and the wider medical regulatory framework. 

A University College London (UCL) study published in BMC Medical Education revealed that Indian doctors are five times more likely to face GMC performance assessments compared to their UK-trained counterparts. 

For other overseas-trained doctors, the rates are even higher Bangladeshi doctors face 13 times the likelihood, while doctors from countries like Egypt, Nigeria, and Iraq are also scrutinized.

The lead researcher, Dr. Henry Potts, suggested that the system's inherent bias contributes significantly to these disparities.

 The British Association of Physicians of Indian-origin (BAPIO) has also highlighted this issue, pointing out that differential treatment creates a sense of insecurity and professional dissatisfaction among Indian doctors.

BAPIO President Dr. Ramesh Mehta called for fairness and equality, emphasizing that while improvements have been made, much work remains to eliminate these biases.

Other challenges

Another reason Indian doctors are leaving the UK is the challenge of career progression. Many report facing roadblocks in securing senior positions, often attributing this to subtle discrimination and the lack of mentorship opportunities available to overseas-trained professionals. 

This stagnation in career growth discourages talented doctors from continuing their practice in the UK and pushes them to seek opportunities elsewhere or return to India, where they can potentially achieve greater professional fulfillment.

The NHS has long been plagued by staffing shortages, leading to an overburdened workforce. Indian doctors often find themselves working long hours under intense pressure without proper recognition or support. 

While the UK government has launched schemes to recruit more Indian doctors to address these shortages, such measures have also raised concerns about exploitation. Many doctors feel they are being used to fill systemic gaps rather than being valued as equal contributors.

The GMC’s multiple routes to medical practice have also been a point of contention. The current system disproportionately impacts overseas-trained doctors, with a higher failure rate in GP exams and other licensing assessments. In response, the GMC has proposed a unified Medical Licensing Assessment to create a level playing field. While this initiative is a step in the right direction, its effectiveness in addressing ingrained disparities remains to be seen.

Opportunities in India

India’s evolving healthcare landscape influences doctors’ decisions to leave the UK. With increasing investment in medical infrastructure, the rise of corporate hospitals, and opportunities for private practice, Indian doctors are finding professionally satisfying roles back home. 

Additionally, the chance to serve their communities and remain close to family adds to the appeal of returning to India.

Collaborative training programs

Efforts are underway to address the imbalance and create mutually beneficial opportunities. For instance, the UK’s Health Education England (HEE) has initiated placement schemes to bring Indian doctors to the UK for training. These programs allow doctors to gain specialized skills before returning to India, creating a two-way exchange of expertise. However, the success of such initiatives depends on ensuring that Indian doctors are not merely filling gaps but are treated as valued partners in the NHS.