MMR storm doctor hits back at his critics

THE doctor whose research linking MMR to autism in children was described as “flawed” hit back yesterday, saying he welcomed an investigation into his claims.

Dr Andrew Wakefield caused a storm when he first made the link in an article for the medical journal, The Lancet, in 1998. Earlier this week, the journal admitted the report should never have been published, because it represented a “fatal conflict of interest”. Editor Dr Richard Horton said that he now regarded Dr Wakefield’s findings as “entirely flawed”.

British Health Secretary Yesterday, Dr Wakefield responded to the controversy by stating that he would be contacting the GMC imminently. He told PA News: “Serious allegations have been made against me in relation to the provision of clinical care for children with autism and bowel disease, and the subsequent reporting of their disease. “It has been proposed that my role in this matter should be investigated by the GMC.

“I not only welcome this, I insist on it and I will be making contact with the GMC personally in the forthcoming week.” On Thursday The Lancet revealed Dr Wakefield had been working on a study to see if there was evidence to support a legal action by parents claiming the MMR jab had harmed their children at the same time as he was doing his research at London’s Royal Free Hospital.

Investigators for the GMC will speak to Dr Wakefield to discuss the growing furore.

It is the watchdog’s practice to interview the doctor concerned before deciding what action to take.

Dr Horton said Dr Wakefield had breached The Lancet’s strict rules on potential conflicts of interest by failing to declare his work on the legal claim, which was funded by the Legal Aid Board.