Question : INDIAN DOCTORS IN U.K

(a) whether nearly 3000 doctors who migrated to U.K. recently for better jobs are without employment as reported in The Hindustan Times dated February 7, 2006;

(b) if so, the facts of the matter reported therein;

(c) whether the Government proposes to take up the matter with British authorities for an amicable settlement;

(d) whether the Government proposes to bring such doctors back and provide them suitable jobs in the country;

(e) if so, the details thereof: and

(f) the further steps taken or proposed to be taken by the Government to encourage doctors to remain in the country?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE (SMT. PANABAKA LAKSHMI)

(a) to (c): The Government are aware that the Indian daily, Hindustan Times on 7.2.2006 reported that there are some Indian doctors in United Kingdom who are facing unemployment even after passing the Professional & Linguistic Assessment Bound Test (PLAB) there. In March, 2005, an Indian delegation consisting of senior officers of the Union Health Ministry and Indian High Commission in UK held meeting with officials of General Medical Council (GMC) of UK to explore the possibility of conducting PLAB test in India itself so as to lessen the financial burden of the applicants. The Indian High Commission in UK has informed that the Council may consider conducting Part II of PLAB test in India on pilot basis.

(d) to (f): While there is no policy of the Central Government to provide jobs in India to Indian doctors unemployed in UK, there are enough opportunities available for Indian medical professionals in research, teaching and clinical areas in the governmental as well as private sectors in the country.