UK GPs Work Remotely From Abroad, Sparking Debate

A new pilot program is underway where doctors are providing remote healthcare services for UK patients from Kuala Lumpur. This arrangement allows clinicians, like Dr. Zilal Kamel, to offer care while remaining near their families in the evenings. Currently, eight doctors are involved, supporting seven GP practices and around 250,000 patients by handling administrative tasks such as reviewing lab results and managing correspondence, as well as conducting phone consultations.

This remote care model has drawn both support and criticism. Proponents, including Asterix's CEO Julian Titz, highlight its potential to alleviate administrative burdens that consume significant doctor time, thereby enabling UK-based physicians to focus more on direct patient interaction. This is presented as a practical solution to address NHS staffing pressures and maintain care quality. However, concerns have been voiced by groups like Silver Voices, warning that remote care could potentially compromise decision-making processes due to the absence of a complete patient context. Former health secretary Steve Barclay also noted potential risks if overseas doctors are unfamiliar with local patient needs, contrasting it with the potential benefits of retired UK GPs offering remote support.