‘We should also ban UK doctors’

Ban UK doctors in India. That’s how the country’s doctors have responded to the UK’s Migration Advisory Committee banning fresh recruitment of Indian doctors Nov onwards, reports Jaya Shroff Bhalla.

Ban UK doctors in India. That’s how the country’s doctors have responded to the UK’s Migration Advisory Committee banning fresh recruitment of Indian doctors November onwards.

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“A good chunk of our doctors go abroad to study and to work. If they (UK government) are doing it, then it should be reciprocated from Indian end as well. Why should we allow their doctors or people with UK degrees in India?” said Dr Mrigank Sharma, president, resident doctors association, Guru Tegh Bahadur Hospital.

Indian doctors are an unhappy lot, as this decision jeopardises employment opportunities for them not just in the UK but also in other countries, which do not recognise Indian degrees.

“This is completely unfair. In some places like Dubai, they insist on foreign degrees and experience. This will affect our chances of employment even in Middle Eastern countries, which not just pay much better but also have improved medical health care facilities,” added Sharma.

Indian doctors are alleging that under the National Health Scheme, Indian doctors were already suffering in terms of promotions, and after the decision to ban new recruits, Indian doctors presently employed cannot hope rise above registrar level, — which is a level above resident doctors.

“We condemn this move of excluding Indian doctors and nurses. This is racism, especially in times when it should be abolished. UK is practicing racism and colour discrimination freely and fearlessly,” said Dr Anil Sharma, attending consultant, Fortis Noida.