Responding to the launch of the GMC's new online hub for guidance on tackling racism in the workplace, Dr Latifa Patel, chair of BMA representative body, said:

"We welcome this work by the GMC to challenge racism in healthcare. This hub will be an additional resource for doctors and organisations looking for guidance on this complex topic. We are also pleased to see that in developing it the GMC used research by the BMA in our Racism in Medicine survey and our guidance on how to manage discrimination from patients and their guardians/relatives. 

“This is a problem that needs a systematic approach, tackled by all organisations, and we are happy to support this initiative by the GMC in giving clarity to all doctors that racism by and towards doctors is unacceptable and that all healthcare staff must be treated with dignity and respect.

“The development of this hub is a positive initiative to encourage fairness in the wider healthcare system. However, regarding the GMC itself, the landmark case of Dr Karim and the more recent Dr Arora case demonstrates that there is still a long way to go before doctors can have any confidence that its decisions are free from discrimination and bias. We are following its internal regulatory fairness work closely and will continue to hold the GMC to account.”

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Notes to editors

The BMA is a professional association and trade union representing and negotiating on behalf of all doctors in the UK. A leading voice advocating for outstanding health care and a healthy population. An association providing members with excellent individual services and support throughout their lives.