GPs protest against underfunding of surgeries in east London

Hundreds marched through east London to defend GP surgeries (Pic: Rushanara Ali MP)

Local GP surgeries are chronically underfunded, with the crisis forcing many doctors to resign because of work pressure.

“The relentless withdrawal of funds puts increased pressure on GPs,” east London GP Kambiz Boomla told Socialist Worker. “A decade ago general practice was the most popular choice for doctors in training, now it’s the least.”

A GP surgery in Bristol may have to close after two doctors resigned citing heavy workloads.

“It’s not surprising,” said Kambiz. “Morale is not good”. In April the Tories withdrew a special payment called Minimum Practice Income Guarantee (MPIG).

As a result 98 practices across England may have to close—22 of these are in east London. Last Saturday around 1,000 people protested in east London to save local surgeries.

“The NHS is chronically underfunded and we keep seeing more and more cuts,” said east London GP Jackie Applebee.

“If the cuts continue there will come a point when the whole thing implodes. We have to resist this and keep on protesting to save our NHS.”