NHS Ends Overseas Doctor Training Programme After 15 Years

The NHS has ended a long-running programme that allowed overseas doctors to gain training and work experience in UK hospitals.

The Medical Training Initiative (MTI) helped around 400 to 500 doctors from countries such as Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Nepal come to the UK each year. They could work in the NHS for up to two years before returning home with new skills and experience.

The programme started in 2011 and has supported thousands of doctors over the years. Medical leaders say it benefited both the doctors and the NHS, which relies heavily on international staff.

However, NHS England has decided to close the scheme after an independent review found it was not fully achieving its main goal. The review said some doctors stayed in the UK instead of returning to their home countries, reducing the programme’s impact overseas.

The review also found cases where overseas doctors were paid less than UK doctors doing similar work, raising concerns about fair treatment.

Medical royal colleges across the UK have criticised the decision. They say the programme strengthened healthcare partnerships between the UK and other countries and helped improve medical services around the world.

The Academy of Medical Royal Colleges said the scheme was a successful example of international cooperation and helped build strong professional relationships between the UK and partner nations.

The Academy of Medical Royal Colleges said the scheme was a successful example of international cooperation and helped build strong professional relationships between the UK and partner nations.

NHS England said the decision was based on the review and was not linked to recent changes that give greater priority to UK-trained medical graduates for training opportunities.

Doctors who are already taking part in the programme will be allowed to complete their placements. Those who were accepted before the closure was announced will also be able to join.

Medical leaders have warned that ending the scheme could affect the NHS, which depends on international doctors to help provide patient care. They are calling for new ways to continue sharing medical knowledge and training with doctors from around the world.