New Delhi: Among the shared history, food, and architecture, India and the United Kingdom are also connected through a deeply immersed force of healthcare professionals. But what was once considered a deliberate choice of destination — a place to build a home away from home — no longer remains the same for Indians, especially for the medical professionals facing the impact of recent policy changes in the UK.
Speaking to PTI, senior doctors of Indian origin working in the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) said many Indian health professionals are choosing to leave the UK — not out of dissatisfaction with clinical work, but because financial and immigration pressures have made the UK a less viable long-term option.
The doctors interviewed for this report spoke in their personal capacity and did not represent the views of the NHS or their employer.
The National Health Service (NHS) is often considered one of the world’s premier healthcare systems, but the doctor’s account highlights its struggles from the perspective of a junior doctor.
“Junior doctors work exhausting hours for salaries that barely cover living expenses. Relentless pressure and lack of adequate support” are common struggles for many professionals in the NHS,” he noted.
Faced with these realities, the doctor made the decision to return to India, where he found a better balance of financial freedom, professional growth, and personal satisfaction. “In the UK, earning £2,300 per month as a junior doctor may seem decent on paper,” he noted. “But when you factor in the cost of rent (£1,000+–£1,500), utilities, and groceries, it’s barely enough to make ends meet.”
In contrast, India offered more affordable housing, accessible private healthcare, and lower daily expenses. This allowed for a higher quality of life despite the challenges within India’s healthcare system.
Concluding the post, the doctor offered advice for others considering a move to the UK: “For anyone considering moving to the UK as a doctor, it’s important to look beyond the surface. While it offers valuable experience and exposure, the sacrifices—financial, professional, and personal—are significant.”
