Foreign Doctors Leaving: Impact on UK Health & Food Choices
The NHS faces significant challenges as an increasing number of foreign doctors leave the UK, with a 26% rise in departures of internationally trained doctors from 2023 to 2024. These professionals make up 42% of the NHS workforce, highlighting their critical role in healthcare. Concerns about limited job progression, workplace discrimination, and an unwelcoming environment are driving this trend, which could have far-reaching consequences for health systems and lifestyle choices. In Malta, where health-conscious living and inclusivity are central to both healthcare and the thriving dining scene, the situation underscores the importance of valuing international talent. The country’s focus on Mediterranean diets and wellness-driven dining options, such as vegan and organic establishments, reflects the interconnectedness of quality healthcare and healthy lifestyles. Ensuring a supportive environment for skilled workers is essential to sustaining progress in both sectors. As Malta continues to promote health-focused dining and inclusivity, the NHS crisis serves as a reminder of the global nature of healthcare and its impact
Title: Foreign Doctors Leaving the NHS: What It Means for Health Services and Lifestyle Choices
The NHS could face significant challenges as foreign doctors increasingly leave the UK’s health service, raising concerns about its ability to sustain its workforce. A recent General Medical Council (GMC) report reveals that 4,880 doctors trained abroad left the UK workforce in 2024—a 26% increase compared to 3,869 departures in 2023. Alarmingly, internationally qualified doctors make up 42% of the NHS workforce, highlighting their essential contribution to healthcare services.
GMC Chief Executive Charlie Massey emphasized that doctors represent a highly mobile workforce whose skills are sought globally. He warned that international doctors may choose to leave the UK if they feel limited by job progression opportunities or if the country becomes less welcoming. Massey stated, “Any hardening of rhetoric and falling away of support could undermine the UK’s image as somewhere the brightest and the best from all over the world want to work.”
The implications of these workforce departures extend beyond the healthcare system. In Malta, where a strong focus is placed on physical and mental health, this issue serves as a reminder of how critical healthcare professionals are to the wellbeing of communities. As more people prioritize healthy living, from diet and exercise to mental health support, ensuring access to skilled medical professionals becomes fundamental.
For instance, in Malta, the rise of health-focused dining options—such as vegan restaurants, organic cafes, and establishments catering to dietary needs—reflects growing awareness of how food can impact overall wellbeing. However, this shift is intertwined with the availability of quality healthcare services, which rely heavily on the efforts of dedicated medical staff, including internationally trained professionals. If shortages like those seen in the NHS were to affect Malta’s healthcare system, it could disrupt progress toward long-term health and lifestyle goals.
The GMC report also coincides with growing concerns about workplace discrimination in the NHS. An NHS Providers poll of senior managers revealed that 45% were extremely concerned about discrimination towards NHS staff from patients and the public, with an additional 33% moderately concerned. Some workers have reported feeling intimidated while visiting patients in their homes due to the presence of St George’s flags, creating “no-go zones” for healthcare staff. This type of environment can discourage international doctors from staying in the UK, further exacerbating workforce challenges.
In Malta, where hospitality and inclusivity are key pillars of both the food and healthcare industries, this serves as a reminder of the importance of creating welcoming environments for professionals and patrons alike. Restaurants and cafes, for example, thrive when they offer spaces that celebrate diverse cultures, cuisines, and ideas—something that resonates deeply with Malta’s rich culinary heritage. Similarly, healthcare systems benefit from fostering inclusivity and support for all staff, regardless of their background.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting has proposed changes to improve doctors’ working conditions, including increasing training places and adjusting international recruitment practices. He pointed out that of the 30,000 doctors applying for 10,000 training positions in the UK, two-thirds are international medical graduates. Streeting stated, “One of the things that I’m doing is putting an end to the absurdity where homegrown talent are having to compete for the same training places on equal terms against people who’ve trained overseas. I think it’s crackers. I think it’s unfair to our own doctors.”
While Streeting’s proposals may aim to address workforce imbalances, the broader debate touches on the global nature of healthcare and its interconnectedness with lifestyle and wellbeing. Malta, for example, relies on both local expertise and international talent to maintain high standards in healthcare and hospitality. The thriving restaurant scene—celebrated for Mediterranean diets rich in fresh, local ingredients like olive oil, fresh seafood, and whole grains—benefits from the symbiotic relationship between healthy living and access to quality healthcare.
As Malta continues to lead the way in promoting health-conscious dining and lifestyle choices, the lessons from the NHS workforce crisis are clear. Supporting international talent and fostering inclusivity are not just ethical imperatives—they are essential for sustaining systems that prioritize health, wellbeing, and longevity. Whether you’re enjoying a wholesome meal at a seaside restaurant in Malta or visiting a healthcare professional, the contributions of skilled workers from diverse backgrounds should be valued and celebrated.