The recent terrorist incidents in the United Kingdom, which allegedly involved doctors of Indian origin, have bought into focus this large community of Indians.

The doctors form a crucial part of the country's mammoth government funded health care system -- the National Health Service (NHS).

Although there are fears that the revelations mean tougher times for Indian medical professionals seeking employment in the UK, the fact is that the UK is no longer the El Dorado it was once for Indian doctors.

A fear also exists that the procedures for entry may be tightened further, following British Prime Minister Gordon Brown's call for a review of the country's recruitment checks.

That would make life tougher for Indian medical graduates with plans to emigrate.

While the job security of Indian doctors already working there may not be affected, it is clear that the UK will resort to more stringent scrutiny of visa applications and background verifications of new applicants, but that would impact all categories rather than just medical professionals.

Another key fact that emerges is that the number of Indian doctors in the UK is already on the decline.

Sujeet Jha, an endocrinologist who returned to India six months back and now works at Max Hospitals, said the number of Indian doctors going to the UK is on the decline.

"A number of factors are responsible for this: The NHS has completed its hiring, so there are fewer jobs to be had. The number of home-grown medical graduates in the UK is going up, with the number of medical schools rising sharply in the past 6 to 7 years."

"These incidents have caused some damage to the reputation of Indian doctors, especially those from a particular community. They could be at the receiving end of racist jibes. The psychological dent is depressing with some tabloids being pretty aggressive in their reporting", said Anil Pota, a British citizen of Indian origin, who is active in community circles.

"Medical professionals from India will now be under the scanner. Professionals, particularly from Bangalore, will find it difficult to make it to the UK in the coming months. This incident has caused irreparable damage to the Indian medical community," said Lalitha A, a specialist who has served overseas, now heading the microbiology department at Lady Curzon and Bowring Hospital in Bangalore.

Another doctor, who has been in Britain for about eight years, added that life was already difficult for junior doctors. "Once there, they have to look for jobs every six months or so.It is not easy and it is only getting more difficult."