BMA highlights healthcare industry worker concerns

The British Medical Association (BMA) has highlighted concerns regarding the ongoing welfare of those working in the manufacturing of medical equipment and products around the world.

BMA medical fair and ethical trade group founder Mahmood Bhutta commented: "[Doctors] are here to provide healthcare and we would like to know that the products that we are using are not being manufactured to the detriment of the health … of the people … making [them]."

Awareness of the plight of some healthcare industry workers has been highlighted in the BMA's new film The Human Cost of Healthcare, which gives a number of examples of workers failing to receive the right level of protection from the harmful effects of some of the manufacturing processes.

Earlier this month, council chair of the BMA Dr Mark Porter also sought an urgent meeting with the government regarding the ongoing issue of NHS pension provision.

He noted that further industrial action by UK GPs could be on the cards if the matter is not resolved in the near future.