Woes faced by overseas doctors working in NHS refuse to abate.Firstly, the immigration changes, then MTAS fiasco and now NHS-terror link.. It was so shocking to see those highly educated people trying to bring death and misery, the very people who are trained and expected to save lives, treat everyone with utmost kindness and allay suffering of human beings. There is no excuse for terrorism and it must be condemned in any form.
Although the law will take its own course, there are fears of backlash against overseas doctors especially from the subcontinent. It is more than likely that this will have repercussion for all the migrant doctors. Recruitment reviews are planned. There are expected to be more robust criminal checks and why not. But there is an anxiety that it will make life more difficult for International graduates. Their woes in getting a job will go up. They may be viewed with suspicion because they come from a particular country or believe in a particular religion. In the worst scenario, their acceptability to patients might be questioned.
The contribution to NHS by migrant doctors is immense and must not be forgotten or overshadowed by hopefully isolated incidents. Statements from BMA have been timely and are most welcome. While oversees doctors should be more vigilant, our British colleagues need to appreciate this and stand shoulder to shoulder with migrant doctors. Let us hope for better times ahead.
