An open letter, published in the British Medical Journal, has attacked the British Medical Association over its stance on the proposed government reforms of the NHS.

The letter, signed by over 100 doctors, including three on the BMA's ruling council, says that the plans, announced by Health Secretary Andrew Lansley last year, which will abolish Primary Care Trusts and hand over £80bn worth of NHS funding to family doctors to control services on their patients behalf, will "destroy" the NHS.

The letter tells the BMA: "The NHS really is in your hands. We understand the pressures you are under, but now is the time to mobilise the profession and stop these damaging reforms, which will not only destroy the NHS but also profoundly affect the social fabric of our nation."

The letter, addressed to BMA chairman Dr Hamish Meldrum as well as Dr Laurence Buckman, who heads its GPs committee, adds that opposing the reforms would be a great chance for the BMA to "achieve redemption for its opposition to the inception of the NHS in 1948". It also criticises the association for not holding a special meeting to enable the membership to give their views on the subject.

However, Dr Meldrum said that the BMA had held several debates in its council and will increase its lobbying before the health bill is published. He said that the BMA would continue to "forcefully represent members' concerns".

http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2011/jan/06/doctors-attack-health-reforms