The National Health Service (NHS) has long been supported by the significant contributions of the Indian community, which has played a crucial role in shaping and sustaining the UK’s healthcare system. Today, Indian-origin professionals make up a substantial portion of the NHS workforce, from frontline workers to senior consultants and administrators. Their dedication and service have been instrumental in ensuring the NHS remains a cornerstone of the UK's public health.
As we commemorate the Indian Independence Day, Indian doctors spoke to Asian Voice about the contribution, influencing the diversity and inclusion policies within the NHS and much more.
NHS has become more inclusive over the past 20 to 25 years
Dr Joydeep Grover, Vice President of BAPIO (British Association of Physicians of Indian Origin), highlighted that while Indian doctors' contributions to the NHS are well-recognised, new arrivals often face challenges adapting to the UK healthcare system. He said, “The initial few months to a couple of years can be particularly difficult, as these doctors navigate cultural differences, language barriers, and unfamiliar protocols. During this phase, some may struggle to fully grasp the system, occasionally leading to difficulties. Additionally, the path to becoming an independent practitioner can be more challenging for Indian doctors, as preference is often given to those who have trained in the UK and have a deeper understanding of the system. Many Indian doctors find themselves in sub-consultant roles, where career progression can be limited. While UK-trained graduates also occupy such positions, the proportion of Indian doctors in these roles is higher, highlighting the hurdles they face in advancing their careers as smoothly as their UK-born counterparts.”
Speaking about the presence of Indian healthcare professionals influencing the diversity and inclusion policies within the NHS, he said, “The NHS has become more inclusive over the past 20 to 25 years. When I first arrived two decades ago, Indian doctors faced barriers to employment and career progression in some hospitals. However, significant improvements in the last decade, driven by organisations like BAPIO, have made diversity and inclusion central themes within the NHS. Today, every NHS hospital has strong EDI policies and forums for discussing issues related to various faiths and origins. Active mentorship programs support diverse backgrounds, and cultural recognition has expanded to include celebrations like Diwali, Eid, Onam, and contributions from other regions.”
Percentage of Indian workforce in NHS have steadily grown
Deputy Medical Director for North East Essex ICB, Dr U A Tanvir Alam emphasised that the percentage of Indian workforce grew over the years. He said, “The percentage of Indian workforce has steadily grown over the years with incremental growth from the 60s which represented a seminal moment in the influx of doctors from South Asia. This was the health minister Enoch Powell's call to bolster the workforce which was clearly understaffed and struggling at the frontline in primary and secondary care and without them, the Health Service would have collapsed. By 1971, 31% of all doctors in the NHS were educated abroad and as per current numbers nearly 61000 Indian healthcare workers in the NHS.”
Professor Mala Rao CBE, Clinical senior fellow in the department of primary care at Imperial College London underscored about the role of Indian healthcare professionals evolving within the NHS. She said, “Their numbers are likely to increase in the short and longer term. With substantial representation in the workforce, perhaps their leadership potential will be better utilised. But I also hope that other types of bias and power imbalances do not replace the current situation. My hope is that Indian origin leaders put leadership opportunities to best use in enhancing inclusivity and giving everyone, especially the least well represented communities, health issues and staff a voice.”
Speaking about the contributions of Indian healthcare professionals are adequately recognised within the NHS and broader UK society, she said, “They continue to be under-represented in leadership roles and do not feel as empowered and confident as they should - the experience of Indian origin doctors in the pandemic illustrated this. And they are very poorly represented in health research academia.”
