‘Harsh reality’ of racism faced by ethnic minority doctors highlighted in report

Almost two-thirds of ethnic minority doctors have experienced or witnessed racism in the workplace, according to a report which highlights the “harsh reality” of the issue.

The survey by BMA Scotland found 64% of non-white doctors said they have either experienced (41%) or witnessed (23%) incidents of racism.

This was up from 62% in the previous survey in 2021, when 40% of non-white doctors reported they had experienced incidents of racism, and 22% said they had witnessed it.

The figures for Asian doctors are “particularly striking”, the report said, with 44% reporting they had experienced racism, while 24% said they had witnessed it.

The survey found success in first-time job applications for non-white doctors fell from 48% in 2021 to 43% in 2024, while white doctors saw success rates rise from 61% to 67% over that period.

The research also found ethnic minority doctors were more likely to raise grievance complaints than white doctors, but were less satisfied with the outcome.

Dr Sajid Farid, chairman of BMA Scotland’s Race Equality Forum, said more needs to be done to address the issues.

He said: “This report shines a light on the harsh reality that many ethnic minority doctors in Scotland are still experiencing racism personally or witnessing incidents.

“It shows that racism is clearly still far too common and serious an issue in the medical profession.

“Little has changed in the four years since we last carried out the survey – indeed, the findings suggest it is an issue which is getting worse.

“Despite increasing recognition and awareness of the deeply entrenched issues of racism and inequality, there has been a lack of progress in tackling discrimination which exists in the NHS and it remains far too prevalent.

“This report highlights the need for urgent and effective action, and we call on the Scottish Government and NHS boards to do much more to address the issue and do more to prioritise the wellbeing and professional growth of all ethnic minority doctors, which will also ensure high-quality patient care.”

The 2024 Scottish Race Equality Forum survey received 715 responses, including 278 from respondents who identify as non-white.

Asians made up the largest group of ethnic minority doctors at 27%, while other ethnic groups included mixed (4%), African (3%), and other backgrounds (4%).

The survey found only 11% of those affected by racism in the workplace formally raised a complaint, a 6% decrease on the findings from 2021.

Researchers found inequalities in the complaint resolution process.

Among those who filed workplace grievances, 41% were ethnic minorities compared to 20% of white doctors.

However, 79% of ethnic minority doctors reported dissatisfaction with their complaint resolutions, compared to 63% of white doctors.

Dr Farid said a number of approaches will be needed to tackle the “complex issue” of inequality within the NHS workforce.

He said this includes working to increase the diversity of those who are recruited, and taking proactive steps to create a “culture of inclusion” in the NHS.

Dr Farid added: “The findings of the survey show that far more has to be done to investigate and take action on complaints raised by non-white doctors regarding racist incidents, as well as other workplace issues.

“A zero-tolerance approach must be taken to discrimination and harassment so that ethnic minority doctors, who are a vital part of the workforce in Scotland, feel valued and supported to have a long and fulfilling career in the NHS.”

Health secretary Neil Gray said: “There is no place for racism or any other form of discrimination in the NHS – or anywhere else – and that is reflected in our approach to improving workplace cultures.

“We want to ensure healthcare staff including doctors feel safe to report racist incidents, are fairly treated and have reassurance that they will be dealt with appropriately.

“We expect all health boards to ensure any reported incidents are taken seriously and fully investigated.”