Medical practitioners - Bill is a step forward in transparency

PREDICTABLY, consultants are objecting to proposals aimed at increasing lay representation on the Medical Council and introducing competency testing for doctors.

These long overdue measures are central to Government plans to take on this powerful group which dominates the health service. As anticipated, the consultants are mounting a rearguard action to protect their vested interests.

They are also opposed to having fitness to practice hearings in public because of the risk of false claims against doctors. However, in the wake of the Neary atrocity, involving the unnecessary removal of women’s wombs, it is vital that such hearings be public.