NHS expands recruitment of international doctors to support virtual GP appointments for British patients amid growing staff shortages and rising demand

Imagine logging into a video call with your GP, only to find out they’re taking the call from a beach in Malaysia or a café in Australia.

That scenario might become reality under a bold new NHS plan to allow doctors to treat patients remotely, from anywhere on the globe.

The move is part of a sweeping 10-year strategy aimed at freeing up time for local GPs while addressing staff shortages.

How the Remote GP Pilot Works

The NHS has already started testing this model through a pilot scheme run by Asterix Health.

Under the pilot, UK-trained doctors who have moved abroad—or even foreign-trained doctors—can provide consultations via phone or video.

Tasks include reviewing lab results, triaging patients, and handling letters, all without ever stepping foot in a UK surgery.

Doctors are being recruited from countries including Malaysia, India, and Australia. Some even receive English-language training to ensure smooth patient communication.

The scheme advertises NHS jobs “without having to relocate,” promising flexibility for doctors while still serving UK patients.

A Lifestyle Appeal for Doctors

The pilot also highlights lifestyle benefits.

Dr. Zilal Kamel, one of the remote GPs, shared how working from Kuala Lumpur allowed her to treat UK patients in the morning and be home for dinner with her family.

Stories like hers are used to attract more doctors to the scheme, emphasizing that remote work can balance professional obligations with personal life.

Critics Raise Concerns

Not everyone is convinced.

Critics argue that outsourcing patient care thousands of miles away risks turning general practice into a call-center model.

Shadow Home Secretary Stuart Andrew pointed out that a core part of being a GP is continuity—knowing the local community and understanding patients’ personal context.

Dr. Katie Bramall-Stainer, chair of the British Medical Association’s GP Committee, emphasized that hundreds of UK-trained doctors are currently looking for NHS work.

She argued that funds could be better used to employ them in face-to-face roles rather than relying on remote overseas GPs.

NHS and Asterix Health Defend the Plan

On the other side, Asterix Health CEO Julian Titz insists the scheme is a “real solution” for the NHS workforce crisis.

According to him, remote GPs help under-pressure practices by taking on clinical tasks while maintaining regulatory standards.

The Department of Health and Social Care also highlighted recent efforts to boost GP numbers, including recruiting 3,000 new GPs and investing £1.1 billion into primary care, alongside online appointment booking to ease patient access.

What’s Next?

The NHS pilot is likely to expand if the initial phase shows positive results, potentially opening remote GP roles to more international doctors.

However, public and professional debate is expected to continue, focusing on patient safety, continuity of care, and the impact on local GP practices.

Watch for government guidance and regulatory updates as the NHS balances remote work innovation with traditional in-person care.

Summary

The NHS is piloting a remote GP model that allows doctors to treat UK patients from abroad, promising flexibility and helping ease workforce shortages.

While doctors and companies highlight lifestyle and operational benefits, critics worry about continuity of care and outsourcing essential health services.

The pilot’s outcome will influence whether this model becomes a permanent feature of British healthcare.