Bengaluru: IMA's Initiative to Export Doctors

Amid the growing number of medical graduates and the challenge of unemployment in the field, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) pointed out that in the country, particularly Karnataka, is paving the way for a unique solution—exporting doctors to various countries.

Dr RV Asokan, President of IMA, revealed plans to establish a facilitation and information centre that will assist doctors and medical professionals in securing employment overseas. This initiative, in collaboration with the National Medical Association and the Overseas Medical Graduates’ Association, aims to provide a sense of security to doctors seeking employment abroad.

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With an annual influx of 1,08,915 medical graduates, of whom 40,000 may be unable to pursue MBBS and PG courses, IMA attempted to address the issue by creating opportunities abroad. “These 40,000 students enroll in coaching centres for NEET and other entrance tests for PG courses. There are around 1.2 lakh unemployed doctors in India. If they are given government jobs, it will be helpful to them,” Dr Asokan told The New Indian Express.

To streamline the process, IMA is also partnering with the National Employment Exchange for the recruitment of medical professionals. Drawing inspiration from innovative employment strategies in various states, the IMA is keen on adopting successful models to employ doctors effectively.

Dr Asokan highlighted the case of Kerala, where the state provides incentives to postgraduate students. The state has initiated outreach programs, enabling doctors to conduct home visits on a monthly basis. In an effort to gather diverse approaches, each state is encouraged to propose innovative employment strategies and is being asked to come up with innovative ways of employing doctors and share them with the IMA reports the Daily.

A doctor working with a private hospital said, “The situation of young doctors is very bad. The young doctors are being harassed. They are made to work for long hours in private hospitals and are not paid well. They are now keen on working even in rural areas but are not given much opportunities. They have no new fields or scopes here."

This strategic move not only addresses unemployment concerns among medical graduates but also opens up global avenues for Indian doctors, contributing to the enhancement of healthcare standards worldwide.

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