GMC Statement: In response to the Coroner’s verdict on the deaths of two patients of Dr Daniel Ubani

Commenting on the Coroners verdict Niall Dickson, Chief Executive of the General Medical Council (GMC) said:

“This has been a terrible tragedy and an avoidable one. The sad case highlights serious failings in a system that should protect patients.

"One of those failings is that as the UK regulator we are not allowed to test the language and competence of doctors from the European Union as we do with doctors from other parts of the world.

"We have taken advice from leading Counsel and it is absolutely clear that in general, European applicants may not be required to undertake a language test. This is absolutely the case for doctors who hold European primary medical qualifications. The combination of EU law and domestic legislation (the Medical Act 1983) effectively excludes testing of a European applicant's language proficiency.

"The current situation is not acceptable. We are in continuing discussions with the Department of Health to resolve this situation.”