In an era where the UK’s healthcare system seems to be leaning more heavily on international doctors, one can’t help but wonder: how did it get to this point? The General Medical Council (GMC) registered a staggering 19,279 foreign doctors in 2024 alone. That’s a massive number, especially since 16,913 of these were International Medical Graduates (IMGs) from low-income countries.
The UK hasn’t trained more doctors than it imported since 2016. Now it’s like a revolving door, with the NHS relying heavily on these international talents. But hold on—no other high-income country does this.
The UK’s healthcare system has become a revolving door, relying on international talent while other high-income countries don’t follow suit.
And guess what? The trend isn’t all rosy. In 2024, 4,880 non-UK qualified doctors decided to pack their bags, a 26% jump from the previous year. Many of them are heading to Australia for better pay. Who can blame them? The UK’s medical workforce is starting to look like Swiss cheese—full of holes.
The NHS is already on the brink, especially in general practice, where IMGs make up about 42% of the workforce. The UK health services are becoming increasingly reliant on the skills of international doctors. [With 20,060 non-UK qualified doctors joining the workforce in 2024, this slight increase highlights the challenges of limited growth in new registrations] that the NHS faces. Fewer IMGs means longer waiting times for patients. Not ideal.
Let’s talk about the entry trends. Only 20,060 non-UK qualified doctors came aboard in 2024, a meager increase. Most of these IMGs are taking the PLAB exam, but only one in eight secured jobs within six months. That’s a far cry from the one in five who found work last year. What gives?
The challenges are mounting. IMGs often struggle to find jobs. Many are between 30-49, which isn’t exactly prime time for specialty training.
And let’s not even get started on the lack of support. The UK needs these doctors, yet it seems determined to drive them away. They deserve better.
The NHS, and indeed the country, might just find itself in a precarious position if this trend continues.
