Pakistan exports largest number of doctors to UK

London, Aug.9 (ANI): Pakistan is the largest exporter of young doctors to Britain's state-funded National Health Service (NHS).

There has been a huge surge in the number of Pakistani medical graduates moving and settling in the United Kingdom, as training opportunities in Pakistan for young doctors are limited.

According to General Medical Council (GMC), over 600 Pakistani medical graduates have taken qualifying tests this year alone. The number of Pakistan doctors registered on the GMC data stood at 8,552 on August 7, 2012, reports The News.

Dr. Akmal Makhdum, chairman of the British Pakistani Doctors Forum (BPDF) said: "This is a happy signal for us in the UK and yet has a sad tinge to it that Pakistan is not offering opportunities for so many young, qualified people. BPDF members are working on some initiatives to develop training in Pakistan and some have succeeded in doing just that. We are here to advise and support our young doctors , to flourish in their careers and support them if the find any obstacles."

"According to new visa arrangements under Tier 5 doctors can come to the UK for a fixed term 2 years contract and at the end of this time they have to leave the UK as their visa will not be extendable. This new arrangement will benefit both the UK and Pakistan n terms of covering the shortage in the system and training opportunities respectively. We feel that any job available in the NHS that will go to an overseas doctor should be filled by a Pakistani doctor," said another UK-based Pakistani doctor. (ANI)