Family Doctors in England Vote for Industrial Action Amid Funding Dispute

Family doctors in England, represented by the British Medical Association, have voted overwhelmingly for industrial action in response to funding and contract changes. This could lead to ceasing patient data sharing and prioritizing patient care over system demands. The new government promises more freedom in hiring additional staff.

In a significant move, family doctors in England have voted to undertake industrial action amid a contentious dispute over funding and contract changes, the British Medical Association (BMA) announced on Thursday.

The ballot revealed a striking 98.3% of General Practitioners (GPs) in favor of collective action, potentially leading to the withdrawal from patient data sharing agreements and prioritizing patients over local health service demands. This decision follows participation from over 8,500 GPs.

Expressing deep concern, Katie Bramall-Stainer, chair of the BMA's GP committee for England, stated, 'GPs are at the end of their tether. This is an act of desperation.' The new government has responded by promising greater freedom for doctor's surgeries to hire additional staff, reallocating £82 million to recruit over 1,000 newly-qualified GPs this year.

(With inputs from agencies.)