London: Even in the 21st century, the menace of racism is still prevalent in Britain. A recent report on United Kingdom's National Health Service (NHS) has highlighted discriminatory practices against doctors from the minority community and Indian origin doctors have now sought Prime Minister Narendra Modi's intervention in the case.
According to the NHS report, black minority ethnic (BME) doctors are likely to face more severe sanctions than non-BME doctors. A large number of BME doctors have reported fear of victimisation as reasons for not raising concerns.
The report said that BME staff are more likely to report concerns about harassment and bullying than non-BME staff. BME staff are less likely to be elevated to higher posts than non-BME staff.
Narinder Kapur, a victim of racism, is a consulting neuropsychologist based in London. He has been documenting evidence of racism against Indian origin doctors for many years.
Kapur said, "The UK government say it will set up a public enquiry into how BME doctors are being treated and then on basis of that they should have some deep seated changes."
Kapur and other associations of Indian origin doctors have written to legislators in the British Parliament seeking immediate action.
Economist Meghnad Desai said, "There is considerable anxiety among junior doctors, especially among those belonging to BME that their career prospects may be harmed or they even found termination of the contract if they are whistleblowers."
There is no relief for Indian medical professionals even as the UK government has proposed new immigration rules that could deport thousands of foreign nurses. Kapur will now seek Modi's intervention when he visits Britain later this year.
Kapur said, "PM Modi may be visiting UK later this year and if he is and situation isn't resolved by then, I will like him to raise this with David Cameron because the situation doesn't benefit India and it doesn't benefit UK.
When Cameron stormed into 10 Downing Street, he stressed on the contributions of the Asian community in Britain but this situation is a clear shift from his election script. For India it is a significant issue as it affects thousands of families across the nation. But will PM Modi raise the issue when he will visit UK later this year.
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