Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan met with Jeremy Miles, Wales’ Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, during a Welsh delegation’s visit to the state today. The meeting advanced a partnership that will see 200 more healthcare workers—nurses and doctors—from Kerala recruited to join the National Health Service (NHS) in Wales. Discussions also explored fresh avenues for collaboration, reinforcing ties between the two regions.

This development builds on a March 2024 agreement between Kerala and Wales, which has already brought over 300 healthcare professionals to the NHS. Facing staffing shortages, Wales has turned to Kerala, renowned for its skilled medical workforce, to bolster its healthcare system. Chief Minister Vijayan highlighted Kerala’s capacity to supply dedicated professionals, stating, “Our healthcare workers are a global asset, and we’re proud to support systems like the NHS while opening opportunities for our youth.”

Miles praised the contributions of Kerala’s workers already in Wales, noting, “Their expertise strengthens our NHS. This recruitment deepens a successful partnership.” The initiative aligns with Wales’ ethical recruitment strategy and coincides with the “Wales in India 2024” program, which has boosted bilateral ties. Beyond staffing, the talks hinted at potential collaboration in training, technology, and public health.

Kerala’s healthcare education system, a global leader, benefits economically from such partnerships, though it must balance domestic needs. Workers like Teena Thomas, now in Wales, value the career growth: “It’s a chance to contribute to a world-class system.” As the delegation wraps up, the addition of 200 health workers marks a milestone in Kerala-Wales relations, promising mutual gains and enhanced healthcare delivery.