A qualitative study exploring factors influencing Indian doctors to migrate to the United Kingdom

Abstract

Background

Migration of doctors from India to UK has been a known occurrence since

post-colonial era. WHO has expressed concerns on migration of medical

professionals from resource limited countries to developed countries as it can

impair public health performance of source countries.

Aim

To explore factors influencing migration of Indian doctors to UK through

qualitative one to one semi-structured interviews.

Methods

12 one to one semi-structured interviews were conducted with 6 male and 6

female Indian doctors who have been working in UK for between three to ten

years, identified through snowball sampling. Thematic analyses was

conducted to explore emerging themes explaining influencing factors for migration.

Results

The desire to seek post graduate and higher specialist training among doctors, unequal and highly

competitive post graduate training opportunities in India, unethical practices in private healthcare, marriage

with UK settled person and poor work life balance in India acted as major push factors for migration of doctors

to UK. Higher specialization opportunities, surplus jobs, accommodative health system and better work life

balance acted as major pull factors for migration. Most doctors expressed non-recognition of UK training in

India and lack of government support as major deterrent factors for returning to India.

Conclusion

Migration of doctors from India to UK is a complex phenomenon which is driven by inherent system

differences and doctors seeking better opportunities abroad. It is also culturally facilitated by colonial

relations and can be a potential augmented human resource bank for India if government policies

accommodate them into their health system.