India becomes the biggest source country for doctors in the US

India is the leading source of immigrant doctors in the United States and the second-largest source of registered nurses, according to a recent report by Remitly. However, when considering the total number of immigrant healthcare professionals, including home health aides and nursing assistants, India ranks third, after the Philippines and Mexico.

Of the 9.87 lakh doctors in the US, nearly 26.5% or 2.62 lakh are immigrants. Indian doctors form the largest group, with more Indians moving to the US to work as physicians than any other nationality. New Jersey, Florida, and New York are the top destination states for these professionals.

The “Immigrant Healthcare Index” by Remitly, based on data from the Migration Policy Institute (MPI) and the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, reveals that 16% of the 34.17 lakh registered nurses in the US are immigrants. Filipinos lead this category with 1.41 lakh registered nurses, representing 26% of the immigrant nurse population. Indian nurses follow with 32,000 (6%), and Nigerians with 24,000 (5%). California, Nevada, and New Jersey are the top states for immigrant nurses.

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Immigrants make up 18% of the total US healthcare workforce, numbering around 2.7 crore. Indians, with 1.76 lakh healthcare workers, represent 7% of the immigrant healthcare professional population. Despite being the top source for doctors and second for nurses, India’s overall rank is third among immigrant healthcare professionals. The Philippines leads with 3.48 lakh workers (13%), followed by Mexico with 2.71 lakh workers (10%).

This data underscores the significant contribution of Indian healthcare professionals to the US, particularly in critical roles like doctors and registered nurses. India’s prominent presence in the US healthcare system highlights the country’s robust medical education and the global demand for its healthcare expertise.

As the US continues to face healthcare worker shortages, the reliance on immigrant professionals, especially from India, remains crucial.

with TOI inputs