‘Big question for govt’: UK faces backlash over ad enticing doctors to Australia

Directed at doctors working with the National Health Scheme (NHS), the advertisement came at a time when health workers and the government are engaged in a long-running dispute regarding salaries.

The ad targeted graduate doctors in the UK with some experience in accident and emergency cases. According to the offer, the doctors have to work 10 shifts a month and will get an annual salary of $240,000 Australian dollars ( ₹1.3 crore) along with accommodation.

Adam Kay, an author and former medical specialist shared the advertisement on his official Twitter handle. Take a look at the offer below:

The UK government faced backlash from Twitter users over the luring deal for junior doctors. Adam Kay said that it is depressing to see this in the BMJ and it leads to a big question for the government.

“How depressing to see this in the BMJ. It’s hard to say those figures don’t present a compelling argument. It all leads to a big question for the govt: if you don’t address doctors’ very reasonable pay concerns, alongside their conditions and wellbeing, guess where they’re going?” the author tweeted.

“Btw, it goes without saying they didn’t ask about using most of my name,” he added.

A Twitter user said, “I am already strongly encouraging my juniors to leave the NHS and seek training abroad.”

“Wages across the board are higher in Australia than here. The UK has low salaries relative to other developed nations. Affordable public service pay simply reflects that. If you want higher pay for doctors you need higher productivity in the UK economy generally,” another user said.

“I’ve loved my time in Australia. I earlier people leave the NHS in their career I think the less likely they will come home. People should be aware however that better “things” does not always mean it is right or easy to stay,” one more user commented.