Why are British doctors so radical?
The union has long been a nuisance for governments. Aneurin Bevan, the architect of the National Health Service (NHS), called it a 'small body of politically poisoned people'. Yet strikes by doctors were rare. Until 2023 there had been only three national ones in the NHS's 75-year history.
But from 2023 to 2024, that number shot up. A wave of doctors' strikes in England led to the rescheduling of half a million operations and appointments. The strikes were paused only when the government offered a 22% pay rise over two years.
Now, the BMA's central demand is to restore doctors' real-terms pay to 2008 levels. By its own preferred measure, retail-price inflation, salaries are down by 21% even after last year's bump. Student debt is another grievance. But advocates insist it's not just about money. Dr Julia Patterson, who leads EveryDoctor, a campaign group, says conditions in the NHS are so grim that 'you wonder why anybody would cling on.' One of those who has, Dr Lois Nunn, describes the toll of long hours and a five-hour round-trip commute between her hospital and young family. With a shortage of specialty training posts, placements are highly competitive. Many of her doctor friends have moved to Australia; those who remain, she says, are 'quite miserable'.
The malaise is not uniquely British. In Germany health workers recently went on strike over pay. Fearing increased competition, last year thousands of South Korean doctors downed stethoscopes over the government's push to recruit more medical students. Even in America, doctors are starting to unionise. 'We've lost our voice within the system,' says Dr Matt Hoffman, a doctor organising in Minnesota.
Yet only in England has this frustration hardened into radicalism. In recent years self-styled 'unashamed socialists' took over most of the main committees. The logo of Broad Left, a key faction, is a stethoscope shaped like a hammer and sickle.
The BMA has become a platform for activists' causes. At its recent annual conference it passed several motions on the war in Gaza, including one to suspend ties with the Israeli Medical Association. The BMA softened its critical stance on the Cass Review, an NHS-commissioned report that questioned the evidence base for youth-gender services, only after more than 1,000 members signed a letter in protest.
Not all doctors support the BMA. It's a 'deeply dysfunctional mess', says one who left. Public support has fallen: 34% of Brits support strikes compared with 52% last year. If strikes go ahead, Labour's pledge to cut waiting lists will almost certainly be broken. Coroners have linked previous strikes to at least five patient deaths.
Wes Streeting, the health secretary, has called the strike action 'completely unjustified'. Yet even before now, the BMA's transformation has already been profound. It is no longer simply a doctors' guild, but a political force.
For more expert analysis of the biggest stories in Britain, sign up to Blighty, our weekly subscriber-only newsletter.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
4 hours ago
- Business Standard
NRI health insurance surges 150%: Why more choose treatment in India
More non-resident Indians (NRIs) are looking to India for health insurance and medical care, with a 150 per cent year-on-year surge in overall NRI health insurance adoption, according to PolicyBazaar. The growth has been sharp among women, rising by 125 per cent, while NRIs under 35 have seen a 148 per cent increase. 'There's been a huge shift in the way NRIs view India's healthcare system. It's not just about affordability, it's about trust in the infrastructure,' said PolicyBazaar in its latest report. Tier-3 cities see nearly half of NRI health insurance claims An interesting trend emerging from the data is that Tier-3 cities now account for 46 per cent of NRI health insurance claims. This, the report suggests, points to growing confidence in India's smaller cities where families often secure policies for elderly parents. The share of NRI claims across hospital categories is as follows: Tier 1 cities: 21 per cent Tier 2 cities: 33 per cent Tier 3 cities: 46 per cent South Indian cities dominate NRI hospital preferences across all tiers. Hyderabad, Chennai, and Bengaluru lead among Tier-1 cities, while Ernakulam, Thiruvananthapuram, and Kollam top the list for Tier-2. Thrissur, Kottayam, and Pathanamthitta feature prominently among Tier-3 locations. India's medical tourism advantage: 60-90 per cent savings One of India's key draws is the stark cost difference for surgeries and medical procedures when compared to the US and UK. For instance: • Heart bypass surgery costs $5,000 - $8,000 in India versus $70,000 - $150,000 in the US. • Knee replacement surgery is priced at $4,000 - $6,000 in India compared to $30,000 - $50,000 in the US. • A liver transplant in India costs $25,000 - $35,000, while the same procedure in the US can range from $300,000 to $500,000. • Kidney transplants are performed at $7,000 - $12,000 in India, whereas in the US, costs range between $200,000 and $300,000. The average NRI claim amount for elective procedures in India is between $2,000 and $15,000. More complex surgeries, however, can see claims in the range of $20,000 to $40,000—still far lower than international prices. Insurance premiums in India much lower than US, GCC Another strong incentive for NRIs is the affordability of health insurance premiums. In India, annual premiums range from $120 to $300 per person. By comparison, US health insurance premiums average $8,000 per person annually, while in GCC countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia, the figure is between $4,000 and $5,000. A comparison of average annual premiums shows: United States: $8,000+ United Kingdom: Free under NHS; private insurance ranges from $1,500 to $3,000 GCC countries: $4,000 - $5,000 India: $120 - $300 As more NRIs consider healthcare options in India, there's been a visible spike in online searches related to health insurance. PolicyBazaar noted: • Searches for 'Health insurance India for NRIs' grew by 60 per cent year-on-year. • Queries for 'Medical treatment for overseas citizens in India' rose by 45 per cent in the last 18 months. • 'Best health insurance plans for parents in India' is consistently among the top five NRI insurance searches from the UAE, UK, and US. No wait times, world-class hospitals and culturally familiar care India's private healthcare network is appealing to NRIs not just for the cost savings, but also for its efficiency. Hospitals like Apollo, AIIMS, and Tata Memorial are equipped with advanced technology and internationally trained doctors. Unlike Western healthcare systems, Indian private hospitals offer quicker consultations and surgeries, often without the long waiting periods. For many NRIs, being treated in India also means family support, English-speaking medical staff, and a sense of cultural familiarity. 'These softer factors make a huge difference during recovery,' said the report. Some health insurance policies now also include on-ground assistance for NRIs, especially those seeking treatment for elderly parents in India. Many hospitals provide complete packages that cover visas, travel arrangements, and post-operative care. Generic medicines cut long-term costs India's pharmaceutical industry, particularly its stronghold in generic medicines, offers another layer of cost advantage. For chronic conditions, the savings are substantial. Consider these comparisons: • Insulin costs $1-$5 per vial in India, compared to $100-$300 in the US. • Paracetamol (10 tablets) is priced at $0.50 in India, while in the US it's $5-$10. • Atorvastatin (for cholesterol) costs $2-$5 per month in India, versus $30-$50 in the US. • Blood pressure medicines are $2-$10 per month in India, whereas the US prices range between $50 and $200. • Cancer drugs like Imatinib are priced at $100-$500 per month in India, compared to over $10,000 in the US. Infectious and respiratory diseases top NRI hospitalisation claims When it comes to hospitalisation reasons, infectious diseases account for the largest share at 18 per cent, followed by respiratory ailments at 11 per cent. Cancer and heart-related conditions each comprise 9 per cent of total claims. Other common hospitalisation reasons include gastrointestinal diseases, injuries, musculoskeletal problems, and neurological disorders. Share of top hospitalisation reasons for NRIs: Infectious diseases: 18 per cent Respiratory diseases: 11 per cent Cancer: 9 per cent Heart conditions: 9 per cent Gastrointestinal diseases: 7 per cent Eye conditions: 6 per cent Injuries and fractures: 5 per cent Musculoskeletal conditions: 5 per cent Urological conditions: 3 per cent Neurological disorders: 3 per cent
Hindustan Times
7 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Sunjay Kapur's cause of death confirmed amid mother's claims of ‘mysterious death': Report
Businessman Sunjay Kapur — who passed away last month during a polo match in London, sparking a tussle over the ₹30,000 crore Sona Group — died of 'natural causes', according to British medical authorities. A letter confirming the cause was sent to his wife, Priya Sachdev Kapur, on Sunday. Sunjay remarried Priya Sachdev, with whom he has a son. He was also co-parenting Priya's daughter Safira, Kapur, who was the chairman of Sona BLW Precision Forgings Ltd (Sona Comstar), suffered a fatal heart attack on 12 June, resulting in several senior-level shifts within the company. According to an NDTV report, which cited the Surrey Coroner's Office, the inquiry "has revealed he (i.e., Sunjay Kapur) died of natural causes" and identified left ventricular hypertrophy and ischaemic heart disease as the causes of death. Causes of death explained Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) occurs when the muscular wall of the heart's left ventricle becomes abnormally thick, making it more difficult for the heart to pump blood efficiently. This often arises when the heart has to work harder than usual, typically due to elevated blood pressure. The latter, known as ischaemic heart disease or coronary artery disease, results from the heart muscle not receiving sufficient oxygen and blood, usually due to arteries becoming narrower. This narrowing is most commonly caused by atherosclerosis — a build-up of fatty deposits, cholesterol, and other substances on the arterial walls. Rani Kapur's claims of son's 'mysterious death' In a significant escalation of the ongoing dispute within the powerful Sona Comstar family, Sunjay Kapur's death has drawn international attention. His mother, Rani Kapur — former chairperson of the company — has formally approached UK authorities, requesting a full investigation into what she describes as the 'mysterious circumstances' surrounding his death in London. Sources cited by ANI confirmed that an official criminal complaint has been filed in the UK challenging the circumstances of Sunjay Kapur's sudden passing. Rani Kapur lodged the complaint, which urges British law enforcement to intervene promptly. Breaking her silence in an emotional video interview with ANI — her first public appearance since Sunjay's death — Rani Kapur expressed heartbreak and lingering doubts. 'I still don't know what happened to my son,' she said, her voice shaking. 'I'm old now. I need closure before I go.' She added, 'I remember the early days of Sona — built with care, sacrifice, and love,' highlighting her deep connection to the firm she co-founded with her late husband. Her remarks also served as a subtle rebuttal to the company's assertions that she has not played any role in its affairs since 2019. Amid the ongoing succession battle, the company recently appointed Sunjay's wife, Priya Sachdev Kapur, as a non-executive director, effective July 23, 2025. Just a day later, in a letter addressed to the firm, Rani Kapur alleged that some individuals had taken advantage of the family's grieving period to 'wrest control and usurp the family legacy'. She also claimed she had been pressured into signing documents soon after her son's death and urged the board to cancel the annual general meeting while advising against any new appointments. According to Forbes, Sunjay Kapur's net worth was estimated at $1.2 billion ( ₹10,300 crore) at the time of his death.
NDTV
9 hours ago
- NDTV
UK Battles Gonorrhoea Crisis, Launches World's First Vaccine Amid Alarming Infection Rates
England has officially launched the world's first gonorrhoea vaccination programme, as cases of the sexually transmitted infection (STI) reach an all-time high. Starting today, sexual health clinics across the country will offer the vaccine free of charge to eligible individuals. The National Health Service (NHS) and the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) announced the rollout earlier this year in response to rising infections and growing concern over antibiotic-resistant strains of gonorrhoea. The vaccine aims to curb the spread of the disease, which has become increasingly difficult to treat due to resistance to key antibiotics, including azithromycin and ceftriaxone. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), there were 82.4 million new gonorrhoea cases globally in 2020 among adults aged 15 to 49. With traditional treatments becoming less effective, health officials view vaccination as a critical step in STI prevention and public health protection. Ashley Dalton, the UK's minister for public health and prevention, said in a statement that "rolling out this world-leading gonorrhoea vaccination programme in sexual health clinics in England represents a major breakthrough in preventing an infection that has reached record levels." She added, "This government's world-first vaccination programme will help turn the tide on infections, as well as tackle head-on the growing threat of antibiotic resistance. "I strongly encourage anyone who is eligible to come forward for vaccination, to protect not only yourselves but also your sexual partners." According to NHS, the groundbreaking vaccination programme comes at a critical time, with diagnoses of gonorrhoea reaching their highest levels since records began. In 2023, a record 85,000 cases of the disease were reported in England - three times higher than in 2012.
