NDA (UK) has extended its support to British Association of Physicians of Indian Origin for legal action against the unjust immigration ruling. In his letter of support, Dr Madan Sharma, Chairman of the NDA (UK) expressed NDA (UK)'s solidarity and support to the BAPIO in our just struggle against discriminatory immigration rule.
Click this link to read the letter in detail.
You all are aware of the new immigration ruling that was announced on 7th March 2006 effectively ending equal opportunities for doctors from the Indian subcontinent and from elsewhere outside the European Union.
This ruling was introduced with no consultation and was applied retrospectively.
This means that many doctors who are already in the middle of their training may not be able to get further jobs and will have to leave the country to start all over again in their training. Doctors who have come to the UK , given PLAB and waiting for jobs will find their troubles multiplied many times because of this ruling. They are here spending time energy and money but have now had all hope taken away from them because they are no longer to be considered on equal opportunity. This includes so many of our new NDA members too who came to the UK with high hopes.
It is important to note that it is a myth that IMG doctors were taking away jobs from UK graduates. A recent BMA survey of over 3000 UK graduates showed that more than 93% of UK graduates were in jobs and more than half those who were not were so by choice. Similarly a survey has demonstrated that even in these highly competitive times, more than 60% of UK graduates send only 1 or 2 applications to secure their job. Only 10% had sent up to 25 applications
The ruling has caused huge distress to thousands of doctors and their families, making futures uncertain, demoralising the workforce and making IMG doctors feel unvalued and unwanted. This is shameful considering the unequivocal contribution of these doctors to the NHS for the last many decades. There has been an outcry from all sectors of the medical establishment including the BMA, the Royal Colleges and senior and junior members of the profession.
However the DOH has turned a deaf ear. The British Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (
www.bapio.co.uk) has taken legal advice and has been advised the outlook for a positive outcome is good. As a sister association, we thought it is appropriate to support BAPIO for this just cause for all of us who are adversely affected.
So, how can we help?
1. Spread awareness of this legal challenge by forwarding this letter or writing a letter like this with the details of the legal challenge to every doctor on your email list
2. Spread awareness of this legal challenge in our discussion web forums -
Yahoo and/or
xenoMED
3. Spread awareness of this legal challenge by word of mouth in the hospitals you work and amongst your friends
4. Donate what you can to the cause (click following BAPIO link for details
http://www.bapioaction.moonfruit.com/, any amount is welcome but most doctors have donated £100 or more) - meticulous account keeping is guaranteed and will be available for examination
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