UK NHS Continues Its Meltdown as BMA Backs Doctor Walkout

You know it's really getting ugly when the British Medical Association, not exactly known for radical agitation, may urge its member doctors to walk out of the UK's National Health Service. From the story:

A mass exodus of GPs from the NHS is being considered by the British Medical Association as it steps up its campaign against the government's plan to impose extended surgery opening hours in England, internal documents have revealed.

The move, which could result in patients paying up to £25 for a short consultation, was among options drawn up by leading GPs who object to being made to offer evening and weekend appointments. The health secretary, Alan Johnson, has threatened to cut the income of practices refusing to provide the extended hours. The BMA is preparing to ballot GPs next month on how to fight back...

A mass resignation of GPs from the NHS--similar to the exodus of dentists who moved into private practice in the 1990s--would be a potent threat "because the government does not yet have sufficient manpower to replace GPs, were they to resign en masse," the [BMA]document suggested.

What a mess the NHS has become. Pinched money, dirty hospitals, and dominated by utilitarian bioethics--hardly conducive to patient health.