Health secretary gets vote of no confidence at BMA conference

The British Medical Association (BMA) has declared that it has no confidence in the leadership of Jeremy Hunt, the health secretary responsible for the NHS.

Many doctors feel hoodwinked by the promise of empowerment behind the new reforms implemented by the coalition government. BMA council member Dr. Jacky Davis stated: “We are watching a good service being deliberately brought to its knees by vandals in Westminster.”

Such emotive language from a distinguished professional brings home the depth of feeling echoed by the “overwhelming majority” of doctors in the UK.

A similar result was seen during the recent education reforms in May which were derided for the many U-turns involved in the process. Shortly after, the National Association of Head Teachers declared a vote of no confidence proclaiming Education Secretary Michael Gove’s plans as “fanatical”.

With an ageing population and an increase in child obesity putting more of a strain on health services, many are asking whether it was right for Hunt to cut back £20 billion from the NHS budget in exchange for so-called efficiency savings, expecting health professionals to work harder and longer hours for no additional pay.

Chairman of the BMA, Dr. Mark Porter, expressed his concerns over the additional strain on NHS staff, stating that senior doctors already work late nights and at weekends “when much of the private sector is fast asleep and ministers are tucked up soundly in their beds”.

Many believe that the recent set of U-turns call into question the capabilities of our politicians, whether they are able to follow through with the right decisions without having to back-track. On the other hand, many consider that politicians are not infallible, and that by allowing them to correct their mistakes we are paving the way for better outcomes.

Hiba Khan