DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
News Release issued by COI News Distribution Service. 26 February 2009
More overseas
junior doctors will be able to take up a two-year training
placement in the NHS, Health Minister Ann Keen announced today.
The Medical Training Initiative (MTI) that provided 250
time-limited placements for doctors from developing countries last
year will now be expanded in stages to provide up to 750 opportunities.
The expansion of MTI will mean that:
* International medical graduates from English-speaking
developing countries where medical training is not widely
available will be able to secure more vital training and work
experience in this country.
* The NHS can continue to exchange expertise and experience with
other parts of the world.
Health Minister Ann Keen said:
''We recognise the enormous contribution made by
International Medical Graduates and the importance of maintaining
these valuable links between the UK and other parts of the world.
"I am very pleased to be able to expand MTI which will give
greater numbers of doctors from developing countries the chance to
secure vital training and work experience in this country. We will
benefit greatly from their time with us and when they return home,
they will be able to apply the skills and knowledge developed
during their time here."
The Department of Health has been working together with key
partners towards the extension of this initiative, including the
General Medical Council, British Medical Association, British
Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (BAPIO) and NHS Employers.
BAPIO president, Dr Ramesh Mehta said:
"BAPIO is delighted that the Department of Health is
expanding this initiative which allows international doctors to
train and benefit from medical expertise in the UK. We are also
pleased that this will ensure the preservation of our strong
historical links with the UK."
David Grantham, Head of Programmes at NHS Employers, said:
"NHS Employers supports future development of the MTI. The
NHS benefits enormously from the international exchange of
doctors, and this scheme in particular is built around reciprocal
sharing of NHS knowledge and experience with other nations."
Ends
Notes to Editors:
1. For more information visit: http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Managingyourorganisation/Humanresourcesandtraining/Morestaff/DH_095369
2. The MTI placements can only be made available where a suitable
UK doctor cannot be found for the placement.
3. Doctors accepted to the MTI scheme must be from developing
countries where medical training is not widely available.
4. MTI visas are limited to two years and doctors will then not
be allowed to return on another MTI visa for five years.