60% of UK medical students report being forced to cut spending on essentials
Student from the University of Buckingham has said he knows people who've taken out credit cards to ease the pressure
60% of UK medical students report being forced to cut spending on essentials like food, clothing, and heating because of the cost of living crisis, a survey from the British Medical Association (BMA) has said.
Over half of UK medical students (53.6%) also say they have to work during term time to be able to pay for the essential and 73.1% of those who do work, say it adversely affects their studying.
"There are students talking about moving abroad"
Mohammed Qureshi, a second year medical student at the University of Buckingham, has acknowledged that "people are talking about things like supermarket prices more."
He added, "there are students talking about moving abroad already and they're not even graduated yet. I think if they're treated well at this stage, it will definitely help with doctor retention in the future. So I think it's important for the country as a whole that students get the financial support that they need."
Student survey showed bursary covered just 30% of outgoings
In the first four years of medical school, students just rely on student finance to get by compared to their fifth and sixth year, where they typically receive the NHS bursary.
But students surveyed reported that the bursary only covered 30% of their outgoings.
The bursary includes a non-means-tested grant of £1,000 and a means-tested grant of up to £2,643 outside of London, or up to £3,191 in London unless they're living at home.
There is also "a reduced maintenance loan" from Student Finance England in years five and six, which amounts to £2,534 outside of London or £3,558 in London for those not living with their family.
But the BMA has argued that this actually leads to a drop in income by several thousands pounds - when students are on placements in the NHS and have less time to take on extra work.
"I've known students taking out credit cards"
This is something Mr. Qureshi has seen: "I've known students in fifth year and sixth year taking out credit cards and having to speak to their parents, embarrassed, to ask for a bit more money to cover them before they do graduate and start earning."
In respond to the survey, the union has called on the government in England to reform the means testing process for the NHS bursary and increase the allowance given to eligible students.
A spokesperson for the government said:
"We are committed to supporting medical students in England across all years of study and are keeping funding arrangements for all healthcare students under review."
"Where a student is struggling financially and is eligible for the NHS Bursary, extra funding is available where they may be able to claim between £100 and £3,000, as well as wider government support which is in place for vulnerable people and individuals on low incomes, including students."