A report by the General Medical Council (GMC) highlights ongoing inequalities faced by British doctors of BAME origin and overseas-trained medics in the UK. It reveals that these doctors often experience discrimination and barriers to career progression due to a hostile culture within parts of the NHS.
Despite some progress, such as a reduction in the disproportionate referral of ethnic minority doctors for alleged misconduct, significant disparities remain. GMC chief executive Charlie Massey emphasized the need for fair treatment for all doctors, noting that the changing demographics of the medical workforce make it crucial to foster inclusivity.
The British Medical Association (BMA) and the Department of Health and Social Care echoed these sentiments, calling for faster action to address discrimination and improve the work environment for all healthcare professionals.
Prof Philip Banfield, the BMA’s chair of council, said:
“The GMC recognises, in its own words, the ‘persistent and pernicious’ inequality that ethnic minority doctors and our colleagues from overseas are still forced to endure over the course of their entire careers.
“While there may be signs of progress in some areas, we will not be satisfied until doctors of all backgrounds are afforded the same opportunities, free from discrimination, and treated with equal respect and fairness.
“This must extend throughout their training and career development, be reflected in everyday interactions in their workplace with colleagues and patients, and in the very way the GMC conducts itself and treats doctors undergoing fitness-to-practise proceedings.”
A Department of Health and Social Care said:
“We are proud the NHS is one of the most diverse organisations in this country but these disparities in career paths are clearly unacceptable. This report shows that while progress is being made it is vital we go further and faster to address these inequalities.
“As we fix the broken NHS and deliver our 10-year plan for health we will seek to close these gaps. We are committed to supporting NHS England’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Improvement Plan, which sets out targeted actions to address the prejudice and discrimination – direct or indirect – faced by healthcare professionals.”
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