BMA tells BMJ 'kill RemedyUK Ad'

RemedyUK - Heroes of the Revolution who stood up to the government over the lethally dangerous changes to medical education and training - report on their site that the BMA have ordered the British Medical Journal to kill their Christmas advert:

As part of a membership drive, the RemedyUK committee decided to place a paid-for loose insert in the Christmas issue of BMJ Careers. The BMJ asked to see the copy before agreeing. They had no concerns about the insert or its content.

We were then told, late last week, that as the BMJ is a wholly owned subsidiary of the BMA, their approval would also be needed. The BMA have banned the insert from appearing. A BMA spokesperson, quoted in Hospital Doctor today, said: "It was considered inappropriate for the Remedy insert to be published in the BMJ. This was definitely not a decision by any one individual."

It is hard to see how the BMJ’s editorial independence cannot now be open to question. And it is difficult not to draw the conclusion that the BMA’s refusal to allow the insert is an attempt to prevent Remedy from spreading its message more widely.

You can view/download the actual ad here.

Actually, it comes as no surprise to Dr Rant that this is the BMA stance - after all, their current 'mission statement' is 'Caring for the NHS'. No mention of being a doctors' union or patient advocates there then. The NHS comes first, and punters and staff come a clear second. If Putin fails to rig the upcoming Russian election sufficiently, he can always find a job at the British Medical Assocation where all doctors are equal, but some are more equal than others.

Bring back democracy! BMA: One Member, One Vote.