Support Raj Mattu. Sign the Petition

The Petition is available here.

Bangladesh v England. Go Bengal Tigers

England invented the game of cricket so the rest of the world could beat them. I developed the habit of watching cricket as a teenager due to the influence of my guy friends in Bury. Everyone including the goldfish had the surname Khan. When I became a doctor, I watched cricket with the boys while waiting for my bleep to go off while munching on Bengali takeaway with all my mates also called Khan.

I am of course half Bangladeshi therefore I have been glued to the TV watching Bangladesh v England this weekend. The BBC stated "After the Bangladesh tail frustrated the bowlers to rack up their third highest Test total of 419, England's hopes of a 2-0 series victory hang in the balance". Further coverage is in the Telegraph.

Sure I support Bangladesh...... so Go Bengal Tigers, eat those rasgullas and take Bangladesh to victory. It is time to make history.

NHSBLOGDOC. Dr John Crippen

Crippen Retires

Of course, few people remember it but I was the first person to set up a blog/website related to radical medicine in the year 2001. Crippen came after me and we both ended up in the Times listings. Here they are

CYNICS’ WEBSITES: TOP FOUR

Quackwatch Witness the systematic destruction of some of the outrageous claims that are made by some alternative practitioners.

NHS Exposed Investigative website allegedly exposing dozens of abuses to staff and patients, and the cover-up campaigns to suppress the truth.

NHS Blog Doctor A doctor tells it how it really, really is.

The Skeptic’s Dictionary The alternative health section is informative, but very unconvincing.

At the time we beat Crippen to the post by coming in second.

Now Crippen has decided to retire and leave the blogsphere. He has decided to remove the flash template designed for him by the Devil. I am not really sure why Crippen had to take down his historical website but there we go. At least the GMC won't be creeping around downloading it. Crippen is to be credited as being one of the most influential grassroots bloggers this side of the century. He is also to be credited with exposing the injustices regarding the MMC.

Anyone looking on the internet will spot Crippen in the internet archives here. Crippen leaves two recommendations, one of Jobbing Doctor and one of Dr Grumble. I on the other hand am of the view that Badmed.net is the one who will ultimately take over from Dr Crippen. Despite being the new kid on the blog his writing is of a high standard, his wit matches that of Dr Crippen from the early days and his style and intelligence is probably more in tune to the current medico-political climate. The next one on my recommendation list is the most intelligent of all bloggers - The Witchdoctor. I believe that Badmedicine and Witchdoctor are instrumental in engaging the public in investigating medicine today.

All that is left is to wish Dr John Crippen the best of luck for the future. I should also thank him for supporting Ward 87 and recommend that he leave his blog as an archive at the British Library's Internet Project. All history is important.

Foreign Doctor's English.

Following the GMC's Lead

Ferret's tone on foreign doctors makes us all wonder what planet he is on these days. No doubt, he has progressed up the greasy pole of the medical hierarchy and is treating several illiterate English hospital attenders and even more foreign speakers of the English Language. His latest spate of complimentary messages regarding the General Medical Council shows us that he is indeed progressing quite well to sidle with the dark side. Ferret refers to several high profile deaths where foreigners have been involved. In reality there have been two high profile deaths by foreign doctors and several even higher profile deaths by English speaking doctors. In addition, there is no current study that links foreign doctors English ability to patient safety. Ferret has hand cramp each time Jane Barton is mentioned. A high profile case with hundreds of deaths that Ferret remains silent on. Perhaps it messes up his usual world view that foreign doctors = patient deaths.

If Ferret had done his homework, he would have found out about the following in a 1981 piece. The GMC has therefore been aware of this issue from 1981-2009.

"The Overseas Doctors Association is upset that non-English speaking EEC doctors should not have to pass an English exam to register. It is also upset that-even if they have full registration in Britain-overseas qualified doctors will not be allowed automatically to practise in EEC countries. Both of these objections are more symbolic than practical. Although EEC doctors will be able to register without taking a formal English test, those few who want to practise in Britain (449 have registered since 1977) will probably not be able to get a job in the NHS (nor in the English-speaking private sector, presumably) unless they have a good command of colloquial
English"

That is part of the problem with Ferret, he has this broad brush stroke approach to his blogging. As time has proceeded on, I have noticed that Ferret's ability to dissect issues properly is failing. Long gone are the days when he criticized the media for their stance, outlined their poor knowledge in medicine and their prejudiced view of doctors. Ferret is now victim of the media he once criticized. He is following the GMC's and the media's lead like a large fat puppy, wagging its tail and agreeing to the status quo without observing the agenda there. I believe Ferret is currently the first victim of the success on Doctors.net.uk - to suppress a doctors ability to think laterally or inquisitively. Ferret indeed is no longer the blogger he used to be. His demise is indeed a sad loss to the usually vibrant blogsphere. For Ferret's sake, it is important to make him understand that the GMC are currently fighting for their reputation and are capitalizing on the David Gray story. Niall Dickson is former journalist. Journalists never change their spots. It is now politically advantageous to the GMC to jump on the foreign doctors bashing bandwagon. The fact is changes could have been made in 1981. The GMC failed to do so. Even if they had done, it would not have prevented the death of David Gray.

This is what he says on his recent blog

"Essentially European law means that the GMC cannot test EU doctors competence or ability to speak English, despite the fact that many have a rather limited command of English and that some of their medical degrees are not the most rigorous of "qualificiations"

Firstly, it would be nice if Ferret could spell "qualifications". When criticizing others with that kind of tone, it is always worth using blogger's spell checker before ex foreigners like me point it out with my grubby finger.

Secondly, his sentence is not based on any kind of research or evidence in science. Ferret just thinks" many have a rather limited command of English". In reality, we have no idea what the standard of English is like in foreign doctors.

Shame Ferret cannot spell. I mean it is really rather embarrassing when you go through his entire blog spotting the typos. Then perhaps he wants to use the "in haste" defense developed by the Guardian. Of course, Ferret won't like my tone but then I don't like his so we are equal.

Niall Dickson "Our starting position is that we have nothing to hide and want to be as open and transparent as possible"

"Transparency was like a greenhouse - you could look in but not enter the room"
Finlay Scott GMC Ex CEO

Niall Dickson wrote a missive today trying his best to sidle up to the Gosport Campaigners. It is rather amusing to watch the entire issue unfold. A Gosport Campaigner today told the GMC

"Do any of you know what you are doing"?

Now that is a good question because I have spent quite a number of years asking that question.

Bad Medicine is of the view that the GMC could not investigate a cornflake packet. That is of course true. I find Niall's stance fascinating because of their recent efforts to conceal the links between a GMC panelist and Scientology. The GMC's efforts to conceal documents related to Scientology was embarrassingly overturned by the Information Commissioner Tribunal. In short, the GMC lost. It is laughable that a body with a bottomless pit of subscription money was unable to win against a litigant in person.

To remind Niall of his team's efforts at concealing issues, we don't have to go far. We simply have to observe the GMC's antics when I requested the entire 2001 Report relating to Ward 87. I am entitled to the report because I was the whistleblower. Anyhow, according to the GMC, I am not allowed a full copy.

This game is called pass the parcel. The GMC were sent the unredacted copy. The GMC's actions here are interesting. This is Toni Smerdon's brainchild of course. Smerdon is one of the GMC's half witted lawyers. She assumes she is clever but we all know better.

Anyhow, Niall continues to make a spectacular fool of himself. That is nothing new because it is very very difficult to defend the actions of a body who last year allowed a doctor to slip the net of the conduct proceedings. They had not noticed that he was administratively erased. Niall is currently suffering from foot in mouth syndrome. He may seek solace in the Oxford Leadership Prize where he sits as judge.

"The impetus for it came from leaders attending the Oxford Strategic Leadership Programme, who were interested to know what new ideas were emerging amongst a cadre of younger future leaders"."For anyone wanting to put their energy and leadership experience to work in society, this programme offers both inspiration and practical first steps. Delivered in partnership with Common Purpose, the programme provides an opportunity to rethink individual values and explore the risks and challenges of non-executive roles through the insight of our experienced advisors and in the company of a supportive peer group".

Anyhow, back to the GMC's antics in the case of Ward 87. This game was fun. I played it for a while then got bored. They currently have the parcel and I have become the mocking bird.

Date	From	To	Comment
24/04/2005	Dr Pal	Steven Hardy	Email requesting the GMC's reasons for withholding Professor Griffiths' final submissions before passing them to the Case Examiners
09/06/2005	Jackie Smith	Dr Pal	Email confirming that the GMC is requesting a copy of the Creamer Report from the Trust
24/07/2005	Dr Pal	Jackie Smith	Email requesting a delay in her submissions until Dr Pal has access to the Creamer Report as she wishes to rely upon it and both the Trust and the DoH have refused her access
09/09/2005	Dr Pal	Jackie Smith	Email acknowledging the GMC's intention to obtain a copy of the Creamer Report from the Trust and speculating that the Trust would resist the request
17/10/2005	Dr Pat Chipping	Jackie Smith	Letter enclosing unredacted report from the Trust, confirming that a redacted version has been sent to Dr Pal, and stressing that the unredacted copy is for the sole use of the GMC and is not to be released to Dr Pal.
07/11/2005	Toni Smerdon	Dr Pat Chipping	Letter acknowledging reciept of unredacted report with letter dated 17th Oct 2005 and requesting a copy of the redacted version supplied to Dr Pal. ALREADY DETERMINED that GMC would use redacted version
09/11/2005	Jackie Smith	Dr Pal	Email confirming that the GMC now has an unredacted copy of the Creamer Report, and that it was obtained from the Trust on the understanding that it would not be disclosed to Dr Pal
11/11/2005	Ro Vaughn	Toni Smerdon	Letter from Trust Human Resources enclosing redacted version of the Creamer Report as supplied to Dr Pal
28/11/2005	Toni Smerdon	Dr Pal	Letter confirming that the GMC has copies of both redacted and unredacted copies of the Creamer Report
20/12/2005	Dr Pal	Toni Smerdon	Email querying the GMC's legal grounds for withholding the unredacted copy of the Creamer Report (letter 28 Nov 2005), confirming that she has made an FOI request for the document from the GMC
10/01/2006	Toni Smerdon	Dr Pal	Letter confirming that the GMC had agreed not to disclose the unredacted Creamer Report to Dr Pal, not a GMC document, will not correspond further on this matter
20/01/2006	Dr Pal	Jackie Smith	Email requesting update on the Griffiths matter, enclosing several documents as adenda to complaint and stating Dr Pal is still awaiting an unredacted copy of the Creamer Report from the Trust. Needed as Professor Griffiths has had access to it, which is unfair.
31/01/2006	Dr Pal	Jackie Smith and Toni Smerdon	Email requesting date at which the Trust and the GMC agreed not to disclose the unredacted report to Dr Pal
06/02/2006	Toni Smerdon	Dr Pal	Email and letter asserting that the Trust and GMC did not come an agreement not to disclose the unredacted Creamer Report to Dr Pal (contradicts other letters), or "brokered a deal" in any way. Confirms redacted report was sent to Prof Griffiths 22 Dec 2005. Denies GMC have attempted to conceal any documents from Dr Pal
08/02/2006	Helen Hardy	Dr Pat Chipping	Letter confirming that the GMC did not intend to use the unredacted report, and were returning it with the letter
13/02/2006	Dr Pat Chipping	Toni Smerdon	Letter confirming receipt of the unredacted version of the Creamer Report, returned to the Trust by Ms Smerdon by letter 8th Feb. Trust have filed the report
14/02/2006	Prity Vaja	Dr Pal	Letter claiming Griffiths did not see the Creamer Report until 2005, noting Dr Pal has a redacted copy of the report from the Trust, claiming both she and Dr Pal are using a redacted copy provided by the GMC
17/02/2006	Prity Vaja	Helen Hardy	Letter claiming Griffiths did not see the Creamer until it was "disclosed to us by the Trust at the end of last year (2005)"
27/02/2006	Dr Pal	Jackie Smith	Email requesting a copy of the Creamer Report identical to that provided to the Dept of Health (for Professor Griffiths)
28/02/2006	Helen Hardy	Dr Pal	Letter confirming the GMC does not have the correspondence referred to in Appendix 4 of the Creamer Report
28/02/2006	Prity Vaja	Dr Pal	Letter confirming that the GMC have returned the unredacted version of the Creamer Report to the Trust, and, because they have done so, she has done the same. Ergo, she has had sight of the unredacted copy of the Creamer Report
01/03/2006	Toni Smerdon	Dr Pal	Letter confirming that the GMC does not know what version of the Creamer Report is available to Prof Griffiths, and that the unredacted version has been sent back to the Trust.
10/03/2006	Dr Pal	Toni Smerdon	Email requesting confirmation that the unredacted Creamer Report has been returned to the Trust, and whether a copy has been retained as previously requested
13/03/2006	Dr Pal	Toni Smerdon	Email querying the dates on which the GMC received redacted and unredacted copies of the Creamer report and what happened to them
13/03/2006	Prity Vaja	Dr Pal	Email confirming that Ms Vaja received a copy of the unredacted Creamer Report from the GMC, NOT from the Trust or the Department of Health, and that the decision to return the report to the Trust was hers and not at the GMC's request
16/03/2006	Dr Pal	Jackie Smith	Email requesting JS confirm the accuracy of attached document (copy of letter from Helen Hardy / Toni Smerdon to Dr Pal
16/03/2006	Helen Hardy	Dr Pal	Letter and Email confirming that the unredacted copy of the Creamer Report was obtained from the Trust 26 Oct 2005 and returned it to them 8 Feb 2006 without keeping a copy.
30/04/2007	Juliet Oliver	Dr Pal	Letter confirming that the Trust and DoH together refused permission for Dr Pal to have access to the unredacted Creamer Report, claiming Data Protection and Professional Legal Privilege, and stating that the unredacted copy of the report was returned to "the Department" (DoH?) as it was their only unredacted copy. Contradicts previous statements that it was returned to the Trust.

Nadia Feldmeier is free.

Dedicated to M Kirk. The Flying Vet.

News has floated in this lunch time. Nadia has just received a letter to say that the charge of 'Perverting the Course of Justice' against her has been dropped, & all bail conditions lifted.

Nadia contacted me a few weeks ago and requested that I write a reference for her. My contact with Nadia is listed here. I did indeed provide a reference for her and I am extremely pleased that the charges have been dropped.

Nadia is linked with the tragic case of the wonderfully eccentric Maurice Kirk who was freed recently. My intervention in Maurice's case was quite simple. Maurice had been held in a mental hospital and the psychiatrist at the time pointed out that Maurice had bad handwriting and therefore this showed he had a mental illness. This high watermark did not stand the test .

I wrote to the CQC head honchos citing that if bad handwriting is the high water mark then every doctor is mentally ill. This is because historically doctors are famed for their bad hand writing. A week later, Maurice was freed from the institution and represented himself in court. All charges were subsequently dropped against him as the jury found him innocent. Here is Mr Kirk in fine fettle following his victory.

No doubt given the flamboyant characters of both these individuals, they will get into more trouble sooner or later. It is though fantastic that they have both defeated the police force who attempted to harass them. I should thank everyone who supported them especially Paul Talbot Jenkins and the very flamboyant pensioner and war veteran Norman Scarth. These are the people that colour the world and these people worked tirelessly for their friends. I am honored to have been of some minor assistance. Just goes to show that with a few ideas, a few friends and the ability to fight together, anything can be achieved.

No doubt the parcels in the post will continue for me :).

Being A Paperholic

Members of the public have the advantage of being free. Doctors do not have freedom. On Saturday I was contacted by Dr X. He told me that the GMC were conducting a witch hunt on him. He had discussed his views but they were not acceptable to the General Medical Council because he did not agree with the Department of Health's line of thought. Websites had been downloaded, blog posts printed, blog radio examined and an expert paid for by the GMC. They meant business. They meant to assassinate Dr X through the GMC's "special procedure". There was really only one way to deal with this.

Most of my US colleagues [ and thanks for emailing me] are aware that my fellow UK blogging colleagues would save themselves before lending a hand to their fellow colleague. This is the attitude that has resulted in such bad medicine within the United Kingdom. The doctors here are largely uncaring when it comes to their colleagues. When their colleagues commit suicide, they say " ah, they couldn't cope". They revolve around the sense of arrogance that provides them with the fixed false belief that they are somehow better than the rest of the world. Of course, they aren't better. They are just very inept as human beings who are unable to see the wood from the trees. Ignorance is endemic these days.

This is what Doctors.net.uk teaches people, to clique together but to watch while others flounder. Dragging themselves from this mindset and having a modicum of insight is rather too much to expect. They are likened to a gaggle of geese who waddle from one intellectual debate to another. The sad fact about these doctors is that the medical system is being shattered and they are asleep.

The only lady brave enough to stand by her word is Dr Liz Miller. Miller has campaigned on the fact that the GMC have killed numerous doctors and if this organization was a ward, it would be high risk.

Anyhow, while all the bloggers watched on, Dr X was sinking. Miller didn't look away, Miller lent her hand.

Of course, unknown to them all, Dr X used to be a Doctors.net.uk member until he was ex communicated by those who think it is trendy to abuse others. I doubt many bloggers cared about Dr X. Dr X wasn't their business. Afterall, why would he be. He wasn't known to them or their clique. Why would they save him because his demise made no difference to them. If he had jumped off the cliff over the weekend, they would just watch over and say it was none of their business. It is this indifference that has moulded the profession into accepting everything without question.

Anyhow, it was therefore left to Dr Liz Miller and I to break down the case piece by piece. Jobbing Doctor would say that he did not mention it because we do it better. Of course, we don't do it better, we do it because Jobbing Doctor and colleagues don't. The rest of the bloggers were talking about whatever brainless topic was ala mode during the weekend. It is safe to say that while Dr X was sinking, no one lifted a finger. This is interesting to watch because they all watch over the subject assuming our single efforts will fail. Of course, on this occasion, it didn't fail.

The final analysis was written here. Graham Archards associates were not happy. NICE came and sat on the blog for hours - probably wondering how he got there in the first place. Well, thats easy, Archard got there by being a super prat. Dr X told me about Debretts. I had never heard of that posh place for posh gits to do posh things that no one gives a flying F about. Amusingly, they have a Gentleman's Training Manual. It is available on Amazon. So, Dr X and I wondered how on earth these superprats were ever allowed into medicine. This wine tasting git was giving advice on how to treat hangovers. There was something surreal about that. Indeed, there was something surreal about the entire totalitarian activity of the GMC tracking blogs, blog posts, blog radio etc for a year or more. It is the kind of skulking activity that Stalin was infamous for. No one appeared concerned regarding this behaviour. Eyes were shut, the world looked away. Yet it happened.

Of course, I admit it was fun establishing the GMC's own expert was a believer in Acupuncture. Indeed, he was head honcho of all things related to complimentary medicine. Having been head honcho, he was criticizing Dr X for debating Swine Flu. Yes, I quacked away - Easter is coming and it was important. I munched on my cornflakes and happily wrote the piece in a very short time. I then wrote to Blake Dobson of the GMC. Blake is affectionately known to Miller and myself as Dobbin. Dobbin was last seen apologizing to me by email for the way the GMC had treated me in 2004. The CHRE was copied in. Of course, amusingly the GMC immediately checked their email. That is the beauty of read receipts. This is what I wrote to them

----- Original Message -----
From: "Rita Pal" <dr.ritapal@gmail.com>
To: "Neil Marshall (020 7189 5153)" <NMarshall@gmc-uk.org>; <ndickson@gmc-uk.org>
Cc: "Blake Dobson (0161 923 6462)" <BDobson@gmc-uk.org>; <doctors4justice-@googlegroups.com>
Sent: Saturday, March 13, 2010 12:57 PM
Subject: Hiring Quack Experts

Dear Neil

Have a good weekend http://nhsexposedblog.blogspot.com/2010/03/dr-graham-archard-gmcs-hired-gun.html. Next time hire a better "expert". The GMC doesn't need anyone to undermine them - they do it really well all by themselves.

Rita Pal

And it is important to write in this manner because at least they flare their noses and become outraged at the uncouth nature of someone who is so terribly uncultured and bad mannered. Appearances of course are deceptive and I can outargue their Debretts expert anytime, day or night.

By Monday/Tuesday, the GMC had decided to drop all charges against the doctor on this specific issue. His lawyer was informed. That was good because Dr X's barrister's wig stopped spinning on its axis. The allegations were dropped from the Interim Order Panel and from the main Fitness to Practise hearing. So, we wonder what made the GMC change its mind over the weekend. Could it be that their head honcho Comrade Neil Marshall had shot himself in the foot by emailing me earlier this year and crowing about how doctors had a right to their opinion? It was so tempting to throw that issue right in his face. A bit like a splattered egg by email.

During the entire event, Dr X accused me of being a " Paperholic". Of course, I am a paperholic, I religiously collect material about the GMC in order to format arguments on the hoof if and when doctors or patients need them. I am surprised Dr X has just noticed my paperholic ways after 7 years. Dr X has since been suggesting a paper diet. I am not quite sure if I should engage in this kind of activity. Not yet anyway.

The Misleading Ways of Niall Dickson.

This Bengali Fish is Not for Frying

GMC Press Release on Mid Staffordshire and Whistleblowing. We all had to laugh. I am not quite sure whether Niall Dickson is just obtuse or simply intellectually suppressed. It must have been so inconvenient not to mention the GMC's prosecution of Dr Korashi.

Even worse, the 50 complaints investigated against Raj Mattu is not to be mentioned either. Neither is the two vexatious complaints against Cardiology whistleblower Dr Peter Wilmshurst, neither is the suspension of whistleblower Dr Robert Phipps or the strike off of Dr Shreedar Vaidya. The vexatious complaints taken up against me have always been legendary. Catching me was of course another issue for the GMC. Some large bengali fish don't like to be fried.

Of course, we won't mention these to the public because it would cast aspersions on the integrity of the GMC and question their role in suppressing those who raise concerns.

This is the GMC Press Release.

"This is a distressing report that reveals significant failings at Mid-Staffordshire Trust. The report highlights a number of very serious issues about the quality of patient care, including concerns about the conduct and performance of some doctors working at the Trust. The Medical Director has referred several doctors to the GMC and we are working closely with the hospital to ensure that we have the information we require to investigate and, if necessary, to suspend or restrict their practice during the investigation. We will be in further discussions with the Trust in light of the recommendations made in today's report."

"The report does raise questions about how doctors and other professionals respond when they see poor quality care. Our guidance, Good Medical Practice, which is the foundation of good care and medical professionalism makes it absolutely clear that all doctors must make the care of their patient their first concern. If any doctor has reason to think that patient safety is, or may be, seriously compromised then they must take steps to put the matter right. If doctors have concerns that a member of the team may not be fit to practise they must take appropriate steps without delay. This includes raising concerns locally and, if there are still concerns about the safety of patients they should inform the relevant regulatory body. Doctors with management responsibility must make sure that there are systems in place through which colleagues can raise concerns about risks to patients."

We must remember that Professor Rubin told the BMJ

"I want to make clear that any doctor who wants to report genuine concerns will have nothing to fear from the GMC. The GMC emphasises the responsibility of doctors to report their concerns and this is echoed throughout our guidance. In particular Good Medical Practice (2006) states both that doctors should raise concerns about inadequate resources and that they must protect patients from risk of harm posed by a colleague's conduct, performance or health. Raising Concerns (2006) makes clear that provided doctors have been honest, raising a concern is justified even if it turns out to be groundless" Peter Rubin 2009

Speak Properly Or.........The GMC Gets You.

The problem with having the incorrect tone is that it becomes unacceptable to the vast majority of upper class British establishment doctors. Of course, the fact remains that some of us have the incorrect tone and a fairly good IQ. Of course, this is naturally overlooked because it is assumed that only the doctors with the right kind of tone are able to perform in the accepted manner. I understood something about identity this week. My identity is that I am a British Indian. In the past, I was of the mistaken view that I was somehow identical to my British Caucasian counterparts. This mistake was really about me living in the United Kingdom. At the schools I went to, I was accepted my friends and colleagues. Of course, medicine is different. Medicine is filled with those who think they are fair but aren't really. It is filled with conceited children who really haven't developed the art of respect, friendship or team work. It is important to understand your place in society - because after that, you do not have to attempt to fit in somewhere you are just not accepted. I am not of course one of those Indians who evolve into everything that is an establishment Brit. We see them all the time, they hob nob around the GMC with their pointy silk handkerchief in their top pocket.

Anyhow, this was my email to the CHRE. Of course, unknown to the GMC and the CHRE, I mean business. I often write these things very quickly. This was done in about 10 minutes. I hope some doctors will find the material below useful.

From: Rita Pal
To: Michael Andrews ; doctors4justice-@googlegroups.com ; ndickson@gmc-uk.org ; Jack Straw1 ; Neil Marshall (020 7189 5153) ; Blake Dobson (0161 923 6462)
Cc: info@equalityhumanrights.com
Sent: Monday, March 15, 2010 10:03 AM
Subject: Re: GMC Targeting the Ethnic Minority


Mr Andrews,

I am writing to you following the recent decision by the Equality Commission to look into the Police for targeting "ethnic minority groups". Please review the BBC article enclosed.

It is common knowledge that the General Medical Council have targeted the ethnic minority. The following is the research

1. BMJ 1994;308:875-876 (2 April) "Doctors from ethnic minority groups in Britain are six times more likely than white colleagues to be brought before the conduct committee of the General Medical Council (GMC), according to research released last week by the Medical Practitioners' Union. Dr Sam Everington and Dr Aneez Esmail found that between 1982 and 1991 a total of 402 doctors had been brought before the committee, of whom nearly 60% were from ethnic minorities. Fewer than one in five doctors in Britain is from an ethnic minority"

2. BMJ 2009;338:b1983 "Doctors who qualified outside the United Kingdom or Europe are still falling foul of the General Medical Council, the UK medical regulator, in greater numbers than their home-grown counterparts, new statistics from the GMC show.

Despite research looking into the disparity in 2000 and 2005, the GMC is still trying to identify the reasons; the disparity remains despite reforms to the council’s fitness to practise procedures in 2004.

The GMC’s 2008 fitness to practise statistics show that when initial complaints were triaged, 44% of those involving international medical graduates (those from outside the UK or Europe) went into the "serious" stream (stream 1, where a full investigation is carried out) compared with only 29% of those involving UK graduates"

Between 1994-2009 there appears to be a continued targetting of ethnic minority doctors. I understand the GMC have instigated a number of studies but this does not absolve them of all responsibilities under the Race Relations Act.

3. Through my own case, I have taken the time to demonstrate that the General Medical Council has been using variable analyses of the word "misconduct" for the ethnic minority and British caucasian groups. This is clearly demonstrated by R v General Medical Council Ex Parte Pal and R v General Medical Council Ex Parte Remedy UK. I have also raised the issue of inconsistency in decision making. As you are aware, the GMC promises to be "consistent" in their decision making process but fails to do so. I have provided the CHRE with ample cases to elucidate this point, most notably Dr Jane Barton as compared with Dr Prabhu Satya, Dr Shreedar Vaidya, Dr Gopakumar, Dr Helen Bright, Dr Sushant Varma, Tushar Bhadra, Dr Siddiq etc.

4. Until our complaint mid 2004/5 to the CRE, the General Medical Council had not recorded ethnicity statistics. This means they were in violation of the RRA for hundreds of years. The GMC was never admonished or penalised for this purposeful violation. See Appendix 1.

5. I have provided you with the Dr R K case where it is evident that the style of an British asian doctors emails and website writings are targeted where as British caucasian expressions are not targeted [ Rod Griffiths complaint] by the GMC. It is fair to say that the GMC has conducted a witch hunt by purposely seeking out charges against this doctor. Moreover, you are aware that Mark Shaw QC admitted in the R v General Medical Council Ex Parte Powell that the GMC was not "proactive" but reactive to concerns. Having misled a Court of Law, the GMC in the Rohen Kapurs case can be seen to be very proactive. It is clear again that R v GMC Ex Powell concerned British caucasian doctors. We assume that Mark Shaw QC for the GMC implied that the GMC was not proactive when it came to this ethnicity. To support this issue, I have cited the case R Pal v GMC 2004 where as an British Asian the style of my correspondence was the high water mark of the GMC investigation whereas caucasian doctors responsible for neglecting patients in 1998 [ Ward 87 North Staffordshire] were never admonished. Harris HHJ deemed this like a " totalitarian regime". The GMC subsequently apologized for the distress this behaviour caused but has subsequently continued this in 2009 against Dr K.

6. All allegations of racism has not been investigated by the GMC. Each time I have approached them with a complaint regarding discrimination, the GMC has failed to investigate these concerns and respond effectively.

You are fully aware that doctors have a civil right [ according to European case law] to practise medicine. At present, the GMC is breaching this right by allowing the institutional racism within its organisation. Each review done by yourselves has not addressed inconsistencies in decision making or equality. Each study done by the GMC has not addressed the fact that the GMC in itself is institutionally racist.

The rough statistics of complaints of the CHRE show that numerous doctors are approaching the CHRE citing that the GMC have been negligent. On each occasion, you have refused to deal with their concerns. We would therefore be grateful if you would kindly consider these concerns and ensure that they are either investigated by the GMC or by the Equalities and Human Rights Commission. I have forwarded this to the Equalities and Human Rights Commission.

I have forwarded this to the Equality and Human Rights Commission with the urgent request to take legal action against the General Medical Council for their illegal practices. Their enforcement team should be dealing with the GMC immediately.

The GMC's action is similar to the police, in that they are unfairly targting the ethnic minority with the net result of serious consequential loss and damages. The fact that the CHRE as the super regulator is responsible for overseeing the GMC will mean that it will also be responsible for the misdemeanors conducted by the GMC under their watch.

This document is written on behalf of my colleagues listed above.

Please confirm receipt of this document as this issue is due to be raised with further authorities.

Regards

Dr Rita Pal

cc Doctors4Justice.net




Appendix 1 From Doctors4Justice http://www.doctors4justice.net/2009/10/gmc-backed-down-on-ethnicity-data.html

The material below was written by Dr Sushant Varma. He details the evidence on Race Discrimination at the General Medical Council. Dr Varma's work directly led up to the change in the data collection procedures at the General Medical Council. The GMC commenced ethnicity data collection in 2007. Previously, no one could sue the GMC successfully or establish racial discrimination due to the lack of statistics. Discrimination law is dependent on statistics.

This was the main downfall in those who sued the GMC. Dr Sushant Varma noted this and made a formal complaint to the then Commission of Race Equality. Both Dr Pal and Dr Varma formally requested an investigation into the GMC citing that the GMC was in breach of the Race Relations Act. We pointed out that for 100 years plus, the GMC purposely failed to collect ethnicity data so that there was no finding of racial discrimination against them. An absence of statistics meant it was impossible to make a evidential finding of race discrimination.

In 2007, the response from the CRE was as follows


"As stated in my previous e'mail , the Enforcement and Public Duty team is currently in communication with the GMC , regarding allegations of a disproportionate representation of overseas doctors on their Fitness to Practice Panel investigations . This is a specific issue that we have become increasingly aware of and are therefore making enquiries on it in order that we can establish the best cause of action. We are also considering a similar approach with regards to the treatment of BME doctors"

As a direct result of this complaint supported by a number of members of Doctors4Justice, the CRE recommendations to the GMC effectively forced them to collect ethnicity data. Congratulations to Dr Varma who made history by this excellent research and work.

Dr Varma and Dr Pal's arguments to the CRE were cut and pasted for the GMC's document on ethnicity data here. The document trail between the GMC, CRE and ourselves detail the processes that led up to this landmark change. The GMC have marketed this issue as if it was miraculously their idea. The fact is that they refused to collect data until they were forced into a corner by the CRE.

GMC and Racial Discrimination - by Dr Sushant Varma -2006/2007


The evidence suggests that the GMC are tougher on foreign doctors if you read this article GMC tougher on foreign doctors (1) written in 2003 you will see evidence of this.

Concern was raised on this issue in Dame Janet Smith�s 5th report to the Shipman inquiry (2). Here the high court judge commented on the work of the policy studies institute in 1996, 2000 and 2003 finding the same

In February 2005 (3) Dr Surendra Kumar wrote an article in BIDA news (British International Doctors Association) expressing concern about the disproportionate number of overseas doctors facing hearings at the GMC. In response the president of the GMC said this is due to the fact that overseas doctors are more likely to be referred to the GMC. Whilst that may be partly true I have no doubt that there is discrimination.

Indeed if you go to www.bapio.co.uk you will see a recent story entitled BAPIO raises the issue of disproportionate disciplinary actions against ethnic minority doctors with the GMC. President Professor Sir Graeme Catto assures action. It seems that three years on nothing has changed.

Although the president- Professor Sir Graeme Catto has partially explained the problem by saying that a disproportionate number of overseas doctors are referred to the GMC (4) I have no doubt that there is discrimination.

For example Dr Peter Wilmshurst wrote a beautiful article (5) showing all sorts of issues. He has found gross inconsistencies as have I. For each time a foreign doctor gets disciplined by the GMC I can give you details of how a white doctor does worse and gets away with it.

For example if you look at (6) you will see an article showing how a final year medical student was caught cheating in her medical finals. I now have official confirmation that she faced no penalty.

If you look at my website www.examfraud.co.uk you will see that I was cheated of my medical degree due to wilful manipulation of evidence and procedures to ensure I failed exams. It reached such an extent that I was forced to have to take my exams externally. However after qualifying in medicine externally my medical school dean wrote to the GMC president alleging fraud. The president said that there were no grounds to take any action. 5 years in September 2006 on the GMC erased me from the medical register for precisely that. The GMC did nothing about those responsible for manipulating my exam results. (7).However on 21 December 2006 the GMC wrote to me after I made representations to the Information Commissioner saying that they had found memos showing that in August 2001 they knew that they could not take action against me on this matter.

In my case several facts are clear.

In 1998 a lecturer was caught manipulating evidence and procedures to ensure a non white student failed exams- an exam decision was overturned from fail to pass. The GMC did nothing. (7)

In 2000 a student at University College London was caught cheating in her finals- the GMC did nothing (6)

In 2001 a professor of medicine is caught manipulating evidence and procedures to ensure a non white student failed exams (www.examfraud.co.uk)

Instead of taking action against the professor and lecturer the GMC takes action against the student.

I would again ask that all FTC members sign my online petition.

(1) GMC tougher on foreign doctors 14 February 2003 http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/2757243.stm

(2) Chapter 17 The Shipman Inquiry http://www.the-shipman-inquiry.org.uk/5r_page.asp?id=4715

(3) President�s Report BIDA news February 2005

(4) President looks back on a year of changes (page 4) GMC news June 2004 http://www.gmc-uk.org/publications/gmc_news_archive/gmcnewsjune04.pdf

(5) The General Medical Council a personal view Cardiology news October/November 2006 http://www.pinpointmedical.com/cardiology/article_archive/2006/ON06_gmc.pdf

(6) Cheating at medical school British Medical Journal 12 August 2000 http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/321/7258/398

(7) Sushant Varma vs. Dr Steve Peters GMC reference FPD/1998/1234

Update on petitions
Since the preceding article was written the 10 Downing Street website has made itself available for petitions. Members of Freedom to Care are recommended additionally to sign the following petitions.

'We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to Abolish the General Medical Council of the United Kingdom.'

http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/AbolishGMC/

'We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to Investigate Allegations of Institutional Racism at the General Medical Council.'

http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/GMCRacism

Reporting the GMC For Human Rights Violations

GMC GSD

Despite Ferret Fancier's recent obtuse view on the manner in which the GMC functions, a large number of doctors who have experienced the GMC first hand have a different view. Indeed, a number of discrimination cases have been sent to the General Medical Council. Protection of Human Rights in Public Law is the group currently investigating human rights/civil liberties abuses by the General Medical Council. Feel free to approach the charity Protection of Human Rights in Public Law with any of your concerns. While Ferret and many other doctors continue to be locked in their ivory towers, those who know about the GMC, will be taking action. The rest can simply be lethargic and watch while everyone does the hard work.

Just to clarify matters here, I am not suing the General Medical Council. I find it very boring and tiresome to do so. I am though happily helping others to sue and challenge the General Medical Council. This phenomena is known as Rebellion by Proxy and I happily admit it. I am not part of Protection of Human Rights in Public Law. They approached me having found my details on the internet. The General Medical Council will be pleased with this.

Protection of Human Rights in Public Law

47-49 Carnarvon Street

Manchester

M3 1EZ

Tel: 0161 8340808

Fax: 0871 9004420

Email: info@phrpl.org
Web: www.phrpl.org