250 healthcare professionals from India coming to Wales

As part of Wales in India - a 12-month series of events celebrating the links between the two countries, health minister Eluned Morgan signed an agreement with the Government of Kerala to bring qualified healthcare professionals from India to work in NHS Wales.

During a visit to Kerala, Ms Morgan met with some of the nursing and medical professionals, and their families who will soon be taking up roles in Wales.

Siji Salimkutty and family (Image: Welsh Government)
Siji Salimkutty came to Wales as a nurse from Kerala in 2004 and has spent the last 20 years working within NHS Wales.

Since coming to Wales Siji has continued to encourage international recruitment helping to support other nurses to make Wales home.

His nephew, Sharoon, will be one of the 250 healthcare professionals who will be coming to Wales from Kerala the next year and his daughter is a medical student at Cardiff University who also hopes to use her skills and knowledge in Wales.

Siji said: "I came to Wales seeking opportunity, but what I found was a home. For the past 20 years, working in NHS Wales has been an enriching journey filled with camaraderie, growth, and a deep sense of belonging.

Siji and his daughter (Image: Welsh Government)
"It's not just a job; it's a testament to the warmth and spirit of this remarkable place."

Sharoon Kolickatharayil Nowshad (Sharoon K Nowshad) said: “Moving to Wales as a nurse offers me the chance to reunite with my uncles and family who have lived in Wales and worked in the NHS for 20 years. I know when I arrive, I’ll be able to settle in and progress in my career, and there’s already a strong Kerala community where I can make new connections, while reconnecting with my family.”

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Last year, more than 400 internationally educated nurses were recruited from overseas through a nationally delivered programme.

A further cohort of internationally educated nurses, as well as medical staff, will be recruited this year alongside a £5 million programme to support targeted recruitment including further ethical international recruitment.

Ms Morgan said last month that more than £283 million will be invested in the education and training of healthcare professionals in Wales this year.

She said: "I am delighted that despite the challenging financial climate we have been able to maintain our budget for training healthcare professionals in Wales.

"This shows our commitment to building a high quality, professional workforce fit for the future.”