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Indian docs in UK are a unhappy lot
Published on Sat, Feb 10, 2007 at 21:40, Updated on Wed, Jun 20, 2007 at 14:54 in 
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BLEAK FUTURE? The abolition of permit-free training could affect thousands of other Indian professionals in UK.
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London: After a change in the immigration law, Indian doctors face an uncertain future in the United Kingdom.
The abolition of permit-free training could also affect thousands of other Indian professionals, who will have no choice but to return.
"There has been a tremendous amount of disappointment. It is fairly unfair not to consider very valid points for a majority of us," says an Indian doctor, Dr Prasad Patki.
Dr Prasad Patki is one of the several Indian doctors whose world has been turned upside down by a recent London High Court ruling.
Dr Patki's been in the UK for the past seven years, practising in various positions, his latest being a semi-research job for the last three years.
He was on his way to becoming a consultant in the UK. But then, rules changed almost overnight. Now, years of his hardwork and experience count for almost nothing.
The abolition of permit-free training last year has made it almost impossible for young doctors to get training jobs. But they are not asking for concessions, they just want the system to treat them fairly.
"If they wanted to make these changes, it should have been done in a systematic fashion. We do not have any opportunities now," says Dr Patki.
Some doctors, like Patki, are still fortunate as they have a recognised post graduate qualification from India. But it's not the case for many others and the figures are astounding.
"We are disappointed and surprised that we have lost. Almost, 16,000 doctors of Indian origin will have to go back," says President of BAPIO, Dr Ramesh Mehta.
Recent changes in the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP) has made matters worse for not just doctors but thousands of other Indian professionals.
The changes which prefer younger professionals who earn higher salaries, will also disqualify majority of Indians working here.
This ruling will also set a precedent for two more juidical reviews relating to changes in the HSMP, where thousands of Indians are affected. It seems that it's not merit or qualitification but your passport that seems to have become more important.
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