BMA calls for strengthening of EC working regulations for doctors

The British Medical Association (BMA) is calling on the European Commission (EC) to strengthen the laws that regulate the ability of doctors to work anywhere in Europe.

Responding to a consultation on planned revisions to the directive regarding the mutual recognition of qualifications, the BMA suggested that the current laws are "no longer fit for purpose".

It raised concerns that any simplification of the system should not lessen the scrutiny to which overseas medical professionals are subjected, adding that regulators should have a legal duty to share fitness-to-practise information in a proactive manner.

The organisation also highlighted the need for an improved language testing setup, a strengthened regulatory code of conduct and enhanced monitoring of continuous professional development.

A BMA statement said: "The system must remain robust in order to safeguard patient safety and to protect the functioning of the NHS."

Last week, BMA council chairman Dr Hamish Meldrum raised concerns over the government's plans to reform the NHS, suggesting that care quality could be put at risk by plans to increase competition in healthcare provision.