Regulating doctors, ensuring good medical practice

GMC response to the publication of the proposal amending the recognition of qualifications Directive

GMC Statement

20 Dec 2011

Responding to the publication of the proposal amending the recognition of qualifications Directive Niall Dickson, the Chief Executive of the General Medical Council said:

‘This proposed Directive covers a number of important issues that affect the safety of patients.

‘We are pleased to see that it includes, for the first time, a requirement for regulators across Europe to tell each other proactively when action has been taken against a doctor's registration.

‘The proposed changes on language requirements will however raise serious concerns for patients. We will study the detail carefully but it remains our view that the final Directive should provide greater safeguards for patients.

‘Over the coming months we will continue work with the UK Government, MEPs, other regulators, and EU institutions to ensure that the final version of the Directive focuses on protecting patients.’

 

Notes to Editors:

For further information please contact the Media Relations Office on 020 7189 5454, out of hours 020 7189 5444/ 07920 461497, email press@gmc-uk.org, website www.gmc-uk.org.

The General Medical Council registers and licenses doctors to practise medicine in the UK. Our purpose is summed up in the phrase: Regulating doctors, Ensuring Good Medical Practice.

The law gives us four main functions:

  • keeping up-to-date registers of qualified doctors
  • fostering good medical practice
  • promoting high standards of medical education and training
  • dealing firmly and fairly with doctors whose fitness to practise is in doubt