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Funding to help refugee doctors return to the medical profession in the UK is almost doubling after the Scottish Government announced an additional £190,023 for the Bridges Programmes’ Refugee Doctors Programme.
The investment will help medically trained refugees gain General Medical Council (GMC) registration so they can practise in the UK, while bringing the total number of doctors supported by the Scottish Government through the scheme to more than 100.
The programme currently supports around 12 doctors each year to achieve registration, with 86 doctors progressing through the scheme.
The additional funding will expand casework support, establish a Physician Network connecting refugee doctors with experienced NHS Scotland clinicians, and create a Progression Fund to help cover financial barriers to qualification.
The announcement fulfils a commitment made by the First Minister to increase support for the programme. Since 2017, the Scottish Government has invested more than £1.6 million in the scheme.
The funding is intended to help internationally qualified doctors who fled conflict and persecution return to their profession, while also supporting the NHS workforce.
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Angela Constance, health secretary, said: "Scotland is home to many highly skilled internationally qualified doctors who fled conflict and persecution, and who want nothing more than to use their skills to help others.
"I am proud this funding will help remove the barriers that stand between them and a return to the profession they trained for, while strengthening our NHS workforce at the same time."
Flutura Shala, chief executive of Bridges Programmes, said: "No doctor should have to leave behind a lifetime of learning and caring for others simply because they had to flee their home.
"This additional funding will make a real difference.
"It will allow us to provide more practical support, help remove financial barriers and connect refugee doctors with experienced NHS colleagues who can support them on their journey.
"For the doctors, this is about more than returning to work.
"It's about rebuilding their careers, regaining their professional identity and having the opportunity to put their knowledge and skills to use, caring for others once again."