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Overworked and underpaid: Why this Indian doctor left the UK
"The UK is often romanticized as a land of opportunity for foreign doctors, but the truth is far more complicated," he explained in a Reddit post.
Stock image. / Pexels
A junior Indian doctor, who passed the Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) exam and worked in the United Kingdom's National Health Service (NHS), has opened up about his decision to return to India. His account highlights the harsh realities of working in the UK’s healthcare system, which he described as "overworked and underpaid."
"As an Indian doctor who passed the PLAB and aspired to build a life in the UK, I had high hopes for better professional opportunities, financial stability, and a higher quality of life," he wrote in a Reddit post. "However, after spending time in the UK and experiencing its healthcare system and broader economic environment, I came face to face with a harsh reality that many fail to acknowledge."
The doctor, whose monthly salary in the UK was $2391 (£2,300), said that while it seemed adequate on paper, the high cost of living left him struggling to make ends meet. He pointed to long working hours, low pay, and an overwhelmed healthcare system as key reasons for his dissatisfaction.
"The UK is often romanticized as a land of opportunity for foreign doctors, but the truth is far more complicated," he explained. "Junior doctors in the NHS work exhausting hours for salaries that barely cover living expenses. Despite their critical role, they are often undervalued and left to manage heavy workloads with limited resources."
Comparing the UK’s economic landscape to India, he noted that returning home offered a more affordable cost of living, professional growth, and financial freedom.
"Returning to India wasn't just about the money—it was about the quality of life," he wrote. "While India's healthcare system has its own challenges, I've found more opportunities for growth, financial freedom, and work-life balance. Meanwhile, the UK continues to struggle with economic stagnation, an overwhelmed healthcare system, and a rising cost of living."
Encouraging others to weigh their options carefully, he concluded: "Returning to India has allowed me to achieve a balance I couldn't find in the UK. It's given me the chance to grow both professionally and personally while living a life that feels more rewarding."
The doctor's experience adds to the ongoing debate about the challenges faced by foreign healthcare professionals working in the UK and the broader issues within the NHS.
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