Government plans are 'immoral', say medics
The British Medical Association (BMA) has condemned government proposals to introduce GP surgeries in supermarkets.

Speaking at the BMA conference in Belfast, doctors said primary care should not be delivered in any setting that also sells tobacco and alcohol.

London GP Chaand Nagpaul said: 'It would be inconceivable, unacceptable and immoral if cigarette packets or bottles of alcoholic drinks were displayed on surgery reception counters, on sale to patients when they booked in to see a doctor or nurse.'

BMA chiefs also said selling junk food was at odds with their efforts to improve people's health.

In a white paper earlier this year, the Department of Health proposed setting up GP surgeries, sexual health and Stop Smoking services in supermarkets, leisure centres and libraries.

Doctors also said traffic light system to indicate the nutritional content of food should be made mandatory.

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