BMJ calls for NHS reforms to be scrapped

The British Medical Journal (BMJ) has called on the government to abort its planned NHS reforms due to prevailing concerns over its execution.

In an editorial by deputy editor Tony Delamothe, editor in chief Fiona Godlee and BMJ Careers editor Edward Davies, the publication has described the Health and Social Care Bill as being "unfit for any purpose".

Strong criticism was levelled at the fast pace with which the legislative programme has been conducted, stating this has been "unnecessary and counterproductive", reports Bloomberg.

It stated that the flaws of the bill have become more obvious over time, despite efforts to radically amend plans following the recent listening exercise.

The editorial concluded that it would be "better for the NHS, the government and the people of England to sweep the bill's mangled remains into an unmarked grave and move on".

This comes despite the British Medical Association, which owns the BMJ Group, expressing guarded optimism about the proposed amendments to the bill earlier this month, with the body stating that many of its concerns have now been addressed.