I read Mr B M Gandhi's letter (AV Feb 6 p10) with interest. Medical workers cover a very wide range of professions, not all of them would fall under the definition of essential services. However, doctors, transport, police and fire do fall under essential services and strikes should be made illegal in these professions.
Mr Gandhi says that BMA is acting like a trade union rather than a professional body. I disagree. BMA is registered as a trade union at national and local level and has always acted as such first, and as a professional body second. Again, Mr Gandhi says GPs earn salaries above £100,000. I disagree. GPs earn that £100,000 as net profit run as a business. They get another £150,000 to cover their running costs.
Also, I take issue with Mr Gandhi's assertion that medical profession is riddled with corruption throughout Africa and Asia.. I was saved from a life threatening illness in Sudan in 1982 by dedicated doctors. In 2013, a medical problem that was not diagnosed correctly here in UK in previous two years was resolved and cured in Mumbai hospital in two days.
Finally, the sticking point in JD's strike is whether Saturday should be considered eligible for extra pay. Surely the motive is money driven rather than patient oriented.
Nagindas Khajuria
By email
