BMA launches e-lobbying campaign against healthcare reforms

The British Medical Association (BMA) has launched a new e-lobbying campaign to help its members voice their opposition to the Health and Social Care Bill.

As the controversial legislation prepares to return to the House of Commons this March, the BMA has introduced an online tool that allows doctors and medical students to contact their MPs about the bill.

The organisation is one of a number of a growing number of healthcare sector bodies to voice their opposition to the proposed laws due to its complexity and associated bureaucracy, as well as accusations it could open up the NHS to privatisation.

In the last month, the Faculty of Public Medicine has called for the bill to be completely withdrawn, while the Royal College of Radiologists and College of Emergency Medicine have said they cannot support the reforms as they currently stand.

Meanwhile, the BMA stated last week that it does not believe recent amendments introduced to the bill have made it fit for purpose, despite efforts to address industry concerns.