BMA wants open debate on regulation of doctors

The BMA has called for a “frank and open” debate on the regulation of the medical profession in a modern society.

At its meeting last week the BMA council unanimously agreed that such a debate was necessary to ensure that the public had confidence in the General Medical Council's ability to protect patients. The task of starting the debate was deputed to the BMA's working party on the GMC, which is chaired by Mr James Johnson.

Many speakers criticised the GMC and the way it works. Dr Ed Borman, a consultant anaesthetist and GMC member, said that the profession and the public were losing confidence in the system and the government could not make up its mind what to do. “We must say that self regulation is the correct model and do more to introduce changes which will make it work,” he said.

A GP in east London, Dr Sam Everington, told the council that the public was shocked to hear that doctors were reinstated after they had committed crimes. He called for transparency, with GMC members declaring any conflict of interest and a fast track system to enable doctors to …