The General Medical Council (GMC) has published an updated report on its progress – as a regulator and an employer – on combatting inequality.
The regulator has set itself targets to:
- eliminate all disproportionate referrals from employers about ethnic minority doctors by 2026, and
- eradicate disadvantage and discrimination in medical education and training by 2031.
Responding to the GMC’s updated report, Dr Naeem Nazem, head of medical at MDDUS, said: “While we acknowledge that the GMC has taken steps to tackle inequality and discrimination in medicine, including backing reforms to limit the risk of bias in its regulatory work, there is much more to be done.
“Their work to address the disproportionate number of doctors from minority ethnic backgrounds who face disciplinary hearings is a start, but while these doctors remain more vulnerable to complaints than others this remains a serious concern for us.
“We welcome the GMC’s commitment to achieving greater resolution of cases and handling of complaints against doctors at a local level.
“We additionally welcome its vocal support for equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) activity across healthcare.
“We urge the GMC leadership to ensure it applies the same high standards on EDI to its own activities as a regulator, as well as employer.”
ENDS
Notes:
The Medical and Dental Defence Union of Scotland (MDDUS) is a mutual organisation that protects the professional interests of more than 56,000 doctors and dentists across the United Kingdom, offering access to indemnity, support and legal advice.
For further information, please contact Alison Hardie, head of strategic communications and public affairs, on ahardie@mddus.com or on 07501 421398
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