Australia relies on many overseas doctors but some are not feeling welcome. Negative stereotypes towards Indians and Muslims may worsen with arrest of an Indian doctor.
Not all Indian doctors are feeling welcome in Australia. Some are understandably discouraged further by mounting distrust towards overseas doctors.
- This could have negative consequences on health care access since at a least quarter of Australia’s medical workforce is from overseas.
The media has not helped and in fact has contributed towards the growing anxiety and stereotypes.
The arrest and detention of Dr. Mohammed Haneef on July 2, 2007 seems to have made matters worse. 27-year-old Dr. Haneef was held in connection with the 2007 Glasgow International Airport attack.
- There is already a doctor shortage in Australia so hopefully the anxiety will subside so that Australia’s health care system does not get in further trouble. Recruitment and retention of Indian doctors may be an an issue if the negative stereotypes towards Indians continue.
- It is unfortunate that the panic seems to have spread and in some cases promoted prejudice towards Indians. There has been some concern with the way authorities are handling the ongoing investigations of the bombing plot.
There has been talk of stricter standards and more criminal checks but at the same time, the Lancet editorial warns, "Although criminal checks may be a necessary counterterrorism measure, discriminating against doctors on the basis of race, religion, or country of birth is not.”
Sources: BBC News, Nick Bryant, Sydney, July 24, 2007
BBC News, Lancet editorial, July 20, 2007
