The British Medical Association is acting like a “Cartel” and its “antics” are endangering the future of the NHS, the health secretary said on Wednesday on Friday.
Wes Streeting launched his strongest attack on the Union of doctors, which is about to extend to the residents of England in their demands for their compensation.
He told the BMA to “get real”, made it clear that ministers would not be “held to ransom” by them, and claimed the association wanted other workers to pay higher taxes to give doctors higher salaries – but lobbies against medics being taxed more themselves.
His pointed comments received loud applause from an audience of NHS leaders, who have braced themselves for a five-day strike by residents – canteens. This is their 13th since they started a campaign for “full pay restoration” in March 2023.
Resident doctors’ salaries have risen 28.9% in the past three years, but they want an additional 26% in the next few years to block their pay from 2008.
Street said it was “very clear that the Bma is no longer a professional voice for doctors. They are increasingly misbehaving in the NHS under this government.
“They’re threatening the future of the NHS, full stop. And I think that’s an understandable state of affairs to be in.”
He told the annual conference of the hospital group of NHS providers: “You look at the state of public finances and the kinds of choices we are making, especially in the NHS.
“Let me tell you, when we ask some rich people to pay more, some of the most effective lobbyists against higher taxes are to say: ‘We want other people to pay higher salaries for doctors.’
“And as a cancer survivor I think my surgeon is worth his weight in gold, we have to be honest about the challenges and the challenges that every family faces.”
the latest numbers It shows that the average salary for doctors across England is £88,269, with consultants – senior medics – earning an average of £127,540.
Separation of numbers It shows that the top salaries of residents in residents – before hours – range from £38,831 to £73,992.
The street added that the 1.5 million strong NHS workforce consists of staff “mostly unpaid doctors such as career residents, never getting the lowest paid doctors”.
NHS trust leaders are deeply concerned about the damage this week’s strike will do to the speed and quality of care they provide in the unusual flu season.
A Chief Executive Officer warned that, in a strike, “You are not directed to treat everyone as well… There is a risk that people will not be harmed.”
The Bma has been approached for a response.