The General Medical Council (GMC) has once again demonstrated its disregard for fair processes, breaking all ethical boundaries in its treatment of doctors from India and Pakistan. Two years ago, Sasha Rodoy, a key player in Indian doctor’s hearing, openly threatened the panel of judges when the false allegations she raised against Indian doctor began to collapse. Faced with such a shocking breach of decorum, the panel had no choice but to recuse itself, dismissing the case entirely. The hearing’s dismissal has already cost the public millions in wasted funds, compounded by a five-year delay that only added to the disarray.
Rodoy, who was banned from participating in future GMC hearings, has now resurfaced in a new controversy. It has come to light that she has been working closely with the GMC on multi-million-pound compensation cases, raising serious questions about her true role in the hearings. Despite her previous misconduct, Rodoy has been invited back, thanks to a special clause in the GMC’s procedures. This development, as the hearing for Indian doctor restarts on Tuesday, has sent shockwaves throughout the UK medical community.
This situation reveals the depth of institutional racism within the GMC. An overwhelming 75% of the doctors subjected to Fitness to Practice (FTP) hearings are of Asian origin, primarily from India and Pakistan. It is evident that the threshold for initiating cases against these doctors is disturbingly low compared to white British doctors. This practice sets a disturbing precedent, wherein highly qualified and skilled doctors from ethnic minority backgrounds are systematically targeted and prevented from advancing in their careers.
When I reached out to the GMC’s leadership, including their legal team and the lawyers involved in the case, their silence spoke volumes. Refusing to comment on the matter, their lack of transparency raises further suspicion. It is now blatantly clear that the hearings themselves are little more than a facade, a performative exercise to disguise decisions that have already been made by the GMC. If outcomes are predetermined, then why waste time and resources on this farce?
This deeply embedded racism within the GMC is underscored by the fact that the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS), which oversees hearings, is nothing more than an extension of the GMC. With the MPTS judges being paid by the GMC and any complaints about them being handled internally, there is little doubt that the whole process is rigged.
The fact that Sasha Rodoy has been welcomed back into the same hearing despite her prior misconduct is a testament to the collusion within the system. Under normal circumstances, Rodoy’s actions would have warranted police involvement. However, the GMC has not only protected her but allowed her to influence proceedings again, proving the farce of these hearings.
It is tragic that Asian doctors in the UK are treated in such a discriminatory manner. Until they rise against this broken system, the colonial legacy will continue to harm talented professionals from ethnic minority backgrounds..
