17 October 2003
Scottish ministers and GPs are warning of an exodus of family doctors if their new contract is delayed.
The Scottish Parliament's health and social care committee said it had 'major concerns' and wanted a delay until it had approved the regulations that will form the new rulebook for GPs.
The UK health departments and the British Medical Association are currently negotiating the regulations. The contract is due to be implemented in April.
Health minister Malcolm Chisholm said: 'If it is implemented in England and Wales and not in Scotland, GPs may decide to move to countries where more favourable contracts are in place.'
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