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Still a lot to do to tackle discrimination and inequality in medicine

15 January 2026

Daniel Elkeles responds to the General Medical Council’s annual update on work to tackle discrimination and inequality in medicine.

  • Race equality

  • Workforce

Responding to the General Medical Council’s annual update on work to tackle discrimination and inequality in medicine, the chief executive of NHS Providers, Daniel Elkeles, said:

"These findings underline the fact that there is still a lot for the NHS to do to tackle discrimination and inequality in medicine.

"It is encouraging to see the gap in fitness to practice referrals is narrowing. We must build on this.

"The lack of progress in medical education and training is a real concern for doctors, patients and for the NHS. 

“Trusts are committed to tackling these inequalities.

"While we strongly support the government’s moves to prioritise UK-trained doctors for training posts, it is very important that the contribution made by internationally educated staff in the NHS is respected and valued."

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