Country’s top GP quits over ‘devil’s advocate’ comments on website
ENGLAND’S MOST senior GP has quit after admitting he played “devil’s advocate” by posting anonymous comments on an online forum.
Dr Arvind Madan, the Director of Primary Care at NHS England, resigned yesterday after it emerged that he was behind dozens of incognito remarks posted under medical articles.
Dr Madan said he had wanted to challenge negative views held by a “small but vocal minority” in the industry. He added the comments were not intended to be inflammatory.
It is believed Dr Madan used the pseudonym “Devil’s Advocate” to post comments under articles on Pulse Today, a trade publication.
Announcing his resignation, the east London GP said it had become clear he had lost the confidence of some of his colleagues.
In a statement, he said: “As part of my attempts to challenge the negative views – and even conspiracy theories – held by a small but vocal minority in the profession, I posted on an anonymous online forum used by GPs.
“It was never my intention to cause offence but rather to provoke a more balanced discussion about contentious issues acting as a devil’s advocate.
“I wish to make it categorically clear that these comments are not a reflection of NHS England policy, and it is now clear to me
that trying to move the debate on in this way is not compatible with my role as director of primary care. Supporting general practice is too important an issue to allow it to be mired in unnecessary controversy.
“I would like to apologise unreservedly to those who have been upset, particularly in smaller practices.”
One comment, under an article about GP surgeries closing, said most businesses would be “pleased to see a rationalisation of their markets”, and added: “Let’s face it, there are probably too many small practices out there struggling to do everything you would want for your family in an era of modern general practice.”
Another comment said: “Enough... we can get six figure salaries for working four days a week, 45 weeks a year without on call... run that past the general public and see how much sympathy you get.” In his statement, Dr Madan said small practices were crucial but many were struggling and that integrating them with others would be beneficial.
Dr Mark Sanford-Wood, of the British Medical Association, said: “We have today written to NHS England raising our concerns and demanding action after Dr Madan’s damaging comments caused significant anger amongst the profession at a time when GPs require support from NHS England. It is only right that he has therefore done the right thing and offered his resignation.”