British health services jobs going to Indians

Monday, 03 January 2005, 20:30 IST
Printer Print Email Email
LONDON: Several key training posts in Britain's National Health Service are going to overseas doctors, including many from India, because of low number of local candidates passing the required tests. According to latest research, despite efforts by the health authorities fewer British trainees in obstetrics and gynaecology (O&G) passed the part one exams in 2004. Only 65 made the grade, and half of the posts in O&G have gone to overseas doctors, including many from India, according to the research published in trade journal 'Hospital Doctor'. John Eddy, chairman of the British Medical Association's O&G committee, said: "It is further worrying evidence that a major clinical speciality is now being primarily staffed from abroad." In 2004, only 277 out of 2,375 appearing for the examination were British and Irish. Another problem facing local health authorities is the low uptake for O&G courses. In 1996, 1.7 percent of men and 5.9 percent of women at qualification wanted to be O&G doctors. By 1999, these figures had fallen to 0.5 and 3.1 respectively. Allan Templeton, president of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, said: "We had hoped this year British trainees would be getting the message that O&G was open to business again but that doesn't seem to have happened." He added: "There is also a perception that the exam doesn't reflect the undergraduate (British) curriculum and there is a very low chance of passing it."
Source: IANS
siliconindia