Key Summary
- Scottish GPs are in formal dispute with the state over the funding gap
- Staff shortages and reduced hours are affecting services
- BMA warns of disruptive action if their concerns are not addressed
General Practitioners in Scotland are upset with the insufficient government funding since 2008.
The British Medical Association (BMA) Scotland has declared a formal dispute with the state and called for full restoration of a £290 million funding gap for GP surgeries.
The Scottish government is in talks with the BMA to resolve the dispute.
A BMA Scotland study indicates that the funding GP practices received for every patient has eroded against inflation since 2008.
The unions claim that because of reduced budgets, hospitals cannot afford to hire the staff they need.
BMA Scotland officials claim that doctors are finding it difficult to deliver core services.
This has affected the locum market and job opportunities, especially for our newly qualified GPs, stated a report submitted by BMA members.
The union plans to launch a “Stand with your Surgery” campaign to restore £290 million in funding to GP practices.
They warned that they would go for a ballot on "disruptive action" if their demands were not met.
However, the Scottish government claims it has increased the investments and plans to increase the number of GPs.
Health secretary Neil Gray said the government is holding talks with BMA and is keen to address their concerns.
