BMA voices concern over pay freeze for military doctors

The British Medical Association (BMA) has expressed concern that a pay freeze for GPs and consultants working with the armed forces will make working in this field less desirable.

Dr Brendan McKeating, chairman of the BMA’s armed forces committee, has stated that government proposals to limit salaries will drive physicians away from the sector, which will compromise the quality of care on offer to the military.

He cited results from a BMA survey which revealed that four military doctors polled are already looking to use the Premature Voluntary Release scheme to leave military service within 12 months.

Dr McKeating said this is representative of the “bitter” disappointment felt by many armed forces physicians over the proposed move and described the pay freeze as “unfair”.

He added: “There is a serious risk that if the government continues to treat military doctors so poorly it is likely to stretch an already undermanned service to breaking point.”

Last month, the organisation voiced disappointment with the government’s stance on doctors’ pay across the UK, stating that salaries are not increasing at a rate that is proportionate to rising expenses.