BMA calls for immediate halt to recruitment of anaesthesia and physician associates

The BMA has called for the recruitment of medical associate professionals (MAPs) in the UK, including physician associates and anaesthesia associates, to be paused immediately. It also opposes the regulation of anaesthesia and physician associates by the General Medical Council, which was due to start by the end of 2024. If the GMC does regulate MAPs, they should have a separate register and a separate format for GMC registration, said the BMA.

Its chair of council, Phil Banfield, said, “Patients want doctors to remain doctors, regulated by a dedicated body. There must be no doubt that when a patient goes to …