Plans for Scottish medical graduates to work minimum term for NHS come under attack

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Source: BMJ

Original: http://www.bmj.com/content/392/bmj.s429.short?rss=1...

Published: 2026-03-03T06:36:05-08:00

Scottish Labor has proposed a "train here, stay here" policy that would require medical, dental and nursing graduates from Scottish universities to work in the NHS for at least five years. In case of default, they would face financial penalties such as repayment of tuition and scholarships. Scottish students currently do not pay tuition fees. The proposal was introduced before the Scottish Parliament elections in May. Critics called it "deeply flawed". This is due to the high vacancy rate in the NHS, while many doctors and nurses are unable to find permanent employment or training positions. Labor leader Anas Sarwar said this would apply if Labor won the election.