GPs to vote on alternative ‘subscription model’ strategy allowing private services

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Daniel Pye

GPs will be balloted on an alternative “subscription-model” strategy for general practice allowing greater freedom to provide private services.

This follows the passing of a motion earlier this month calling on the British Medical Association general practitioners committee (GPC) to consider a means-tested, subscription-based service such as those being offered by NHS dentists.

BMA GPs committee chair for England Dr Katie Bramall said confidence in the future of the profession within the NHS was “at an all-time low”.

But the Department of Health and Social Care said “a two-tier health system would only serve to deepen the health inequalities that already exist”.

English GPs are currently in collective action, with the latest step being to remove or stop using software they are not contractually obliged to use.

Talks between the government and the GPC have been ongoing since the general medical services contract for 2026/27 was overwhelmingly rejected in a BMA referendum.